The Hard Shoulder

Retailers are calling for a crackdown on what they are calling an “epidemic” of shoplifting across the country; many would like to see tougher sentencing of those convicted to deter the growing rates of the crime.Joining Kieran to discuss is Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association of Ireland, Sheila Clarke, who runs Clarke’s XL shop in Ballina, Co. Mayo and later, Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence.

Aóntu submitted a bill in the Dáil last week calling for voting rights in Presidential elections to be extended to Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland.Independent MP in North Down Alex Easton has suggested that those living in Northern Ireland who wish to vote in Irish Presidential elections should "move to the Republic of Ireland and take up residency there".So, does he have a point or not?  Should those in the North be allowed to vote in the Irish Presidential Election?Emma De Souza, Writer, Campaigner and Spokesperson for votingrights.ie and Jim Wells, former DUP Health Minister, join Kieran to discuss.

People get more love, joy and satisfaction from their ‘fur babies’ than they do from their partners, a new study suggests.For some, the role of a dog in our lives is much more than just that of a pet. And one person who had a very close bond with her dogs is Linda Martin, singer, songwriter and dog lover! Linda also runs the Dublin Dog Hub in Meakstown, Co Dublin.She joins Kieran to discuss…

Labour Housing Spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD has called for a Dáil debate on housing measures for single people, responding to analysis on affordable housing for single people…So, is Irish society not meant for single people?Kieran is joined by Conor Sheehan as well as Andrea Smith, Freelance Journalist, to discuss.

Documentary maker Manchan Magan joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

World Earth Day is being marked across the globe today. Now in it’s 55th year, this year’s event comes at a critical time for the environment as the US once again pulls out of the Paris agreement on climate change…Joining Kieran to discuss the day is Journalist and Environmental Activist, George Monbiot.

A Dublin Bus Driver was threatened by a man carrying a suspected gun on Friday, leading to the suspension of services in the city center. An investigation into the incident is underway.Following the incident, Dublin Bus are calling for the swift implementation of security on public transport.Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus and later Dermot O'Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union, and Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition join Kieran to discuss.

Teachers and Principals warn that despite government schemes, schools are reliant on parents and fundraising to keep the lights on.Simon Lewis, Primary School Principal and member of National Principal's forum and Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick's National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow join Kieran to discuss.

As you will have heard, preparations are continuing for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died this past Easter Weekend at the age of 88.Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joins Kieran to look at the legacy he leaves behind.

It's two years to the week since fighting broke out in Sudan, instigating what is now the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Reporter Sarah Madden visits Northern Bahr el Ghazal to see the fall out for herself, in "Can you hear me? Dispatches from the world's forgotten war."