The Hard Shoulder

Key Ukrainian allies met today in Paris to discuss security guarantees, as they work through the US-brokered plan to end the war with Russia.The leaders of around 35 countries attended the summit known as the ‘Coalition of the Willing’, including American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and President Zelenskyy.But, there were indicators this afternoon that the summit may be overshadowed by growing alarm in Europe about President Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, with six European countries coming together to release a statement which rallied support for Denmark stating that "Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations".Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Defence was at this summit today, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Enoch Burke is expected to initiate legal action against the Disciplinary Appeals Panel.The panel last met before Christmas and will be reconvening to determine whether Burke was fairly or unfairly dismissed by Wilson’s Hospital School.Shane Phelan is Legal Affairs Editor for the Irish Independent, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Nestlé has recalled a range of their SMA infant formulas and follow-on formulas due to the possible presence of cereulide.To discuss this move by Nestlé, Ciara is joined by Microbiologist and Lecturer in Allergen Management, Dr Orla Cahill.Image: Nestlé

Radio DJ and Presenter Suzanne Kane joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The UK government is considering the implementation of mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 as part of road safety measures. Should we follow suit here, and at what age should these tests be required from?Joining Ciara to discuss is Arthur Cummins, Ophthalmologist.

Stephen Miller, the US Homeland Security Advisor, spoke with Jake Tapper on CNN and said that Greenland should be part of the United States, and that it’s always been part of President Trump’s plan…Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in an interview that if the US invades Greenland, it will spell the end of NATO.Six European countries have rallied to support Denmark stating that "Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations".Where does that leave Europe, its stability and how robust is NATO?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is David Rennie, Geopolitics Editor with The Economist and Lin Mortensgaard from the Danish Institute for International Studies.

Many British Airways premium flyers will be unhappy from this week, as their Club Europe members will now not have an English Breakfast as part of their food options. Instead, they’ll be served a continental breakfast.Do you really care about what food you get on an airoplane? And why does plane food taste so different to food on the ground?Joining Ciara to discuss is Professor Charles Spence, Experimental Psychologist at the University of Oxford.

Coimisiún na Meán has said it is engaging with the European Commission over concerns that Elon Musk's AI tool Grok is being used to create sexually explicit images of women and children on X.But, does more need to be done?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin.

There has been a steady decline in part time weekend jobs, with a shift away from teenagers getting their first job at an early age. The decline of the ‘Saturday job’ means young people are no longer ready for work in the modern work environment.Henry McKean has been out asking the public about work, and joins Ciara to discuss.

As the next phase of Dublin's traffic plan is implemented this year, wider cycle lanes will be introduced - resulting in improvements for cyclists and a reduction in road space for cars. What impact will this have on traffic in the city?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Brian Caulfield, Trinity College Dublin Professor in Transportation and Damien O’Tuama, National Cycling Coordinator for the Irish Cycling Campaign.