The Hard Shoulder Highlights
The Hard Shoulder Highlights with Kieran Cuddihy on Newstalk.
Join Kieran every weekday afternoon from 4-7pm for a round-up of the day’s events, interviews with the people at the centre of the stories – and a bit of craic along the way.
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Latest episodes
Jun 9, 2025 • 6min
Why are young people turning away from alcohol?
Drinking in Ireland is changing, and fast. New figures show alcohol consumption is down over 4% in the last year, and it’s dropped by more than a third since 2001- which means for the first time, Ireland is in line with the European average.Has our relationship with drink changed over the years, and are young people leading that charge? Sean O Maoilchiaran, Journalist and Broadcaster joins Kieran to discuss.
Jun 9, 2025 • 12min
Freedom Flotilla seized by Israel - what should be done?
The Madleen has been seized.The vessel, which includes activist Greta Thunberg among its crew of 12, was aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, and raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis there.According to officials, it was boarded during the night by Israeli authorities, and is now heading to a port in Israel.So, what next?Francesca Albanese is UN Special Rapporteur to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and joins Kieran to discuss.
Jun 9, 2025 • 4min
Should the Government have their own cadaver dogs?
Cadaver dogs – do we need one owned by the state?The question is being raised after Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said it would be preferable for the police to have a cadaver dog – it's as he raised concerns over the length of time it took to uncover Tina Satchwell’s body, who was murdered by her husband Richard.Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said that the gardaí will consider it.So, should we train dogs for this purpose, and if so, how would that go?Ralph O’Connor is Training Officer with the Search and Rescue Dog Association for Ireland North, and joins Kieran to discuss.
Jun 9, 2025 • 15min
Is it time to get rid of Rent Pressure Zones?
The Government is planning big changes to Rent Pressure Zones. Under the new proposals, the 2% cap on rent increases will stay in place for existing tenants, but landlords will now be allowed to hike rents between tenancies and charge more for newly built homes.Critics are warning that it may open the door to runaway rents and put renters at greater risk.Joining Kieran to discuss further is Paul Murphy and Karl Deeter, Director of Irish Mortgage Brokers.
Jun 9, 2025 • 13min
Should we have a Bank Holiday for St Colmcille?
Donegal County Council is asking the Government to create a new Bank Holiday in honour of St Colmcille.Joining Kieran to discuss the history of the Saint and why this is being asked for is Jimmy Kavanagh, Donegal County Councillor and DR Elva Johnston, Associate Professor in the school of History UCD.Image: Pope History
Jun 6, 2025 • 11min
Desree Pether's reaction to her husband Robert's release on bail
Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed that Robert Pether who has been held in jail in Iraq for over four years has been released on bail. The Australian national - who had been living in Elphin in Co Roscommon - was arrested in April 2021 and later jailed on fraud charges. His wife Desree joined Kieran to discuss her husbands release.
Jun 5, 2025 • 34min
Over 30 people, including five children, deported to Nigeria
Thirty-five people, including 21 men, nine women and five children were denied asylum and have been deported from Ireland to Nigeria overnight on a chartered flight at a cost of €325,000. Jim O’Callaghan is Minister for Justice and Fianna Fail TD Dublin Bay South joined Kieran to discuss further
Jun 5, 2025 • 19min
Inside Ireland's Nursing Homes
We’ve been hearing from many people across the station today, voicing their outrage and frustration at the state of care in some nursing homes in Ireland. This comes in the wake of last night’s RTE Investigations programme, which exposed disturbing conditions in two nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland. Kieran spoke to some those who have experienced the service in Ireland and what they had to say...
Jun 4, 2025 • 10min
How to do Stuff: Stifling Laughter
Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how not to stifle a laugh in awkward moments!
Jun 4, 2025 • 20min
Planning exemptions to be made on extensions for older people
The Government is preparing major changes to planning laws, including proposals to allow attic conversions, garden cabins, and home extensions for elderly relatives without planning permission.It’s a move aimed at relieving pressure on the housing system and speeding up development. But questions remain about the effectiveness of these plans and whether they will move the needle at all.Tom Philips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates and Adjunct Associate Professor of Town Planning at UCD and later James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Fianna Fáil TD for Wexford join Kieran to discuss.
