The Hard Shoulder

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide on the Australian city of Melbourne!

Enda Murphy is a clinical psychotherapist and director of SeeMee.ie, specializing in loneliness and addiction, while Leo Gibson is a content creator sharing personal experiences of youth loneliness. They dive into why online connections fall short, particularly for young men, and share effective offline social strategies like a phone-free golf routine that fosters genuine interaction. Additionally, they discuss the detrimental effects of digital addiction on real-world relationships and emphasize the need for accessible spaces to combat increasing loneliness among Ireland's youth.

Fergus Finlay, former CEO of Barnardos and a prominent columnist at The Irish Examiner, shares his literary loves and reflections on reading. He opens up about the struggle of downsizing his extensive book collection and emphasizes the irreplaceable magic of physical books over e-readers. Fergus reveals how Flann O'Brien's "At Swim-Two-Birds" mirrors his youthful escapades in Dublin, while he passionately recounts reading "Final Days of Nixon" in one thrilling night. He also endorses Terry Pohn's impactful new work on disability activism.

Andrew McGinley, a devoted father and advocate for child safety, discusses the tragic case surrounding the deaths of his children, Conor, Darragh, and Carla. He supports Deirdre Morley's judicial review of the coroner's limited inquest scope. Andrew highlights his concerns about the medical evidence presented and stresses the need for systemic reviews of child deaths. He passionately shares his motivation to campaign for reform, emphasizing the emotional toll of his loss and the importance of improving mental health and safety processes for children.

Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent for the Irish Times, dives into the upcoming government rules allowing customers to cancel contracts without penalties if prices increase. He highlights how companies often pre-announce price hikes, locking consumers in, and explains the common contract clauses that fuel frustration. Conor also discusses the potential for firms to raise base prices as a workaround, the impact on utilities and insurance, and the broader implications for consumer rights. It's a crucial conversation for anyone dealing with rising costs.

Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Southwest, joins the conversation on the upcoming protest by taxi drivers against Uber's fixed fare system. He highlights how these fares threaten regulated pricing and the livelihoods of drivers. While Uber's lower prices may temporarily benefit consumers, they risk long-term harm to service availability. Murphy also emphasizes the need for government action and better regulation to protect both drivers and users. The discussion sheds light on the complexities of modern transport issues and public safety.

Henry McKean, a renowned journalist and broadcaster, dives into the intriguing proposal to rename Dublin Airport after former Taoiseach Seán Lemass. He highlights Lemass's pivotal role in modernizing Ireland, particularly in aviation and trade. The conversation takes a lively turn as they explore public reactions, with playful name suggestions from celebrities to brands. They also compare Dublin's naming practices to international examples, probing whether the idea has serious backing or is just playful banter in politics.

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.