The Hard Shoulder

Energy company Flogas is to increase its variable electricity charges by around 7%, with effect from 25 August.Why is this being done?Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin, Spokesperson on Finance, and TD for Donegal, joins Kieran to discuss.

Ireland has some of the longest school holidays in Europe, which can make it a struggle for parents to organize childcare. Education Minister Helen McEntee has defended the length of summer holidays—three months for secondary schools and two months for primary schools.McEntree said, “Our teachers work hard, our schools are very active throughout the year. I think the time that’s taken throughout the summer gives everybody a chance to take a break.”So, should the length of summer break be reduced? How can parents source childcare for the hours when they’re at work?Joining Kieran to discuss is Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick’s National School in Greystones and Aideen Finnegan, Podcast Producer and the Presenter of Better with Money from The Irish Times, as well as the mother to a five-year-old and a two-year-old.

Amazon has withdrawn plans for a €300 million industrial plant after it was denied access to electrical connections within its stated time frame. More than 500 jobs were expected to be created in northwest Dublin’s Ballycoolin because of the project.Sunday Independent Columnist Conor Skehan says that the project’s cancellation is a consequence of government policies. He joins Kieran to discuss.

John Fardy, Presenter of 'Screentime' and Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

As party campaigns kick off, it's week 2 The Hard Shoulder’s president series, learning more about the history of the presidential office.Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to discuss some of Ireland’s ugliest elections!

Peter Hanly, Actor and Playwright joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, with reporting from TMZ claiming a cardiac arrest as the cause of death.Off the Ball’s Richie McCormack joins Kieran to look back on the wrestling star’s career, life and controversies.

The recent listeria outbreak has resulted in a recall of 141 ready meals. Despite the convenience of store-bought ready meals, the outbreak is a reminder that consumers have little control over how the products are made or what ingredients are used.Ross Golden-Bannon, member of the Irish Food Writers Guild, joins Kieran to discuss how to make DIY ready meals that are healthier and less expensive than store-bought!

If you are struggling to keep your kids entertained this summer, we have got you covered.Can getting the kids to do DIY help alleviate their summer boredom?Peter Finn also known as Pete the Builder and co-host of ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ joins to discuss!Peter’s show ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ returns in September!

Disabled people in Ireland rely on disability allowance, but strict means testing mean these payments are often revoked.Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, Disability Journalist and advocate, joins Kieran to discuss her own experience, after she was taken off disability allowance for earning €80 over the weekly threshold…