The Hard Shoulder

Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin and a senior Catholic prelate, shares his insights as a firsthand witness to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. He describes the grandeur of St. Peter's Square and reflects on the Pope's commitment to peace, justice, and supporting the poor. Dermot discusses the priorities for Leo XIV's papacy, including youth engagement and safeguarding, while also highlighting the public's intrigue with the conclave's swift decision-making process. His unique perspective brings the historic event to life.

Shona Murray, a seasoned Europe correspondent with Euronews, dives into the latest breakthroughs in the search for peace in Ukraine. She discusses the key elements of the reworked 19-point plan and contrasts it with the earlier proposal. Shona emphasizes the crucial role Europe plays in the negotiations, considering its security stakes. The conversation highlights the urgency of timelines, the prospect of a ceasefire, and what steps might be taken next as the world waits for Putin's response.

Ivana Bacik, a progressive Labour Party TD and key figure in the 1995 divorce referendum, joins Michelle Brown, a divorce consultant and author specializing in family mediation. They discuss how divorce legislation in Ireland has transformed since its narrow approval 30 years ago. Ivana reflects on the toxic campaign and religious opposition, while Michelle emphasizes the importance of legal rights and the shift towards compassionate mediation. The duo also addresses ongoing stigma and courtroom trauma, advocating for a more supportive approach to family separation.

Aoife Lee, a parenting coach from ParentSupport.ie, shares her insights on tackling school avoidance among kids. She explains how to distinguish between normal reluctance and genuine anxiety. Modern pressures, like busy schedules, contribute to feelings of overwhelm in children. Aoife highlights signs of school avoidance, such as Sunday night fear and emotional withdrawal. She provides practical steps for parents, emphasizing calm communication and collaboration with schools while discussing when a day off can either help or hinder. Seeking professional help is advised when anxiety becomes pervasive.

Seán Defoe, Newstalk's political correspondent, dissects Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch's anticipated run in the Dublin Central byelection. He recounts Hutch's impressive performance in the previous election and explains the unique challenges of a byelection versus a general election. Seán highlights Hutch's strategy to engage disengaged voters and the local dynamics that could influence turnout. He also discusses potential opponents, including a left-leaning candidate, and the looming media and legal scrutiny surrounding Hutch's campaign.

In this discussion, Barry Ward, a Fine Gael TD and spokesperson on justice, brings insights from the government side, emphasizing the need for alignment with EU migration rules. Meanwhile, Matt Carthy, a Sinn Féin TD, shares concerns about the proposed changes, arguing they overlook pressing issues like processing delays and the complexities of the Common Travel Area. The dialogue highlights differing views on citizenship timelines and family reunification, creating a fascinating clash of perspectives on Ireland's evolving immigration policies.

Jeff Kinney, the acclaimed author and cartoonist behind the beloved 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series, shares insights about his latest book, 'Partypooper.' He reveals the nine-year journey to publication and how his own experiences as a wimpy kid shaped Greg's character. Kinney discusses the importance of flaws in storytelling and the challenges of keeping kids engaged in a digital world. He emphasizes the need for parents to model reading habits and reflect on the unexpected success of his series.

Dr. Scott Walken, a general practitioner and clinical lead for infection control, discusses the early surge in flu cases due to viral evolution, highlighting symptoms of the H3 strain such as rapid onset fever and muscle pain. He stresses the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups like the elderly and healthcare workers. Tony Fitzpatrick, from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, addresses hospital staffing pressures with 6,500 vacancies, cautioning about increased cases among the elderly and young children, and calls for urgent measures to alleviate service demands.

Mary Conway, Chair of the Irish Property Owners Association, and Pat Davitt, a seasoned property consultant, delve into the evolving rental landscape. They discuss the anticipated tenancy rule changes set for March 1st and their implications for existing landlords. While reports suggest a mass landlord exodus, Mary clarifies misunderstandings stemming from government communication. Pat highlights the differences in rent regulations for small versus large landlords and calls for a more balanced tenant code of conduct amidst frustrations over current policies.

Jess Kelly, a technology correspondent and host of Tech Talk, joins sports commentator Cameron Hill to discuss the intersection of football, AI, and festive spirit. Jess shares how winter boosts her holiday mood, while both celebrate the cultural joy of Ireland's football success. They tackle concerns about AI-generated videos blurring reality and the issues of pricing spikes after big matches. The chat also meanders into concert etiquette and the joys of early Christmas decorating, showcasing their spirited banter and varied interests.