The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 28, 2026 • 6min
Green Scene: Sikkim, the fully organic State in India
On this week’s Green Scene, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society for Research Ireland, joined Pat Kenny to discuss Sikkim, the fully organic State in India, and why Greenland really matters. All with thanks to Repak.
Jan 28, 2026 • 12min
Bells, bars and protests spark noise complaints in Dublin
Traffic, house alarms and construction are just some of the sweet sounds that make up Dublin city's soundscape. But is our capital becoming too loud for citizens' happiness and health and what can really be done to deal with Dublin's deafening din? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports…
Jan 28, 2026 • 13min
Cabinet approves plans to abolish the triple lock
The Cabinet is to approve plans for the abolition of the triple lock. Yesterday, the Minister of State for AI said she would like the power to shut down X when AI crises occur and the government has announced that for the first time ever, every Minister will be going abroad this St. Patrick’s Day. Political Correspondent with Newstalk & Host of the Let Me Explain Podcast, Sean Defoe, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss some of the biggest stories in politics.
Jan 28, 2026 • 11min
Lord Mayor of Cork uses AI to write speech
Artificial intelligence has become ingrained in all aspects of life from search engines, online shopping, and speech writing. Politicians, both at home and abroad, are increasingly starting to write speeches with the help of ChatGPT. One politician who has admitted to this is Fergal Dennehy Lord Mayor of Cork and Fianna Fáil Councillor for Cork City Southwest, and he joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss this morning.
Jan 27, 2026 • 18min
This week marks National Grief Awareness Week
This week marks National Grief Awareness Week. it’s the sixth year the Irish Hospice Foundation are running this campaign, especially during January, a time which can be difficult for many people. Broadcaster Venetia Quick, who you might know from ‘The Grief Pod' speaks about how her own experience when her husband Martin died in 2018. Also joining Pat was Amy Gibney, National Grief in the Workplace Lead at Irish Hospice Foundation.
Jan 27, 2026 • 10min
Trends, disruption and the digitisation of transport here
When it comes to transport here in Ireland, we always seem to be the last country to jump on the latest trends. We see some progression in the Metro Link, the Luas line has plans to expand and soon we will be bringing in contactless payments. but what's next? Pat discusses this and more with Tony Canavan EY's Global Transport Leader.
Jan 27, 2026 • 9min
Tech with Jess
This week Jess Kelly joined Pat to discuss why California Governor Gavin Newsom is carrying out a review of the now US owned TikTok. Newsom accused TikTok on Monday of suppressing content critical of President Donald Trump as he launched a review to decide if its content moderation practices violated state law, while the platform cited a systems failure. With thanks to Renault,
Jan 27, 2026 • 12min
Who is Nelson Peltz?
Who is Nelson Peltz? As the rift between Brooklyn Beckham and his family was made even more public last week, who is his billionaire father-in-law who calls himself the ‘matchmaker’ between Elon Musk and Donald Trump? All to discuss with Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training with The Communications Clinic and Columnist with The Sunday Independent.
Jan 27, 2026 • 17min
Should Micheál Martin attend the White House for St Patrick's Day?
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee will bring to Cabinet the over 50 destinations that Ministers will visit this St Patrick’s Day, headlined by the Taoiseach’s visit to the White House. But in the aftermath of two killings by ICE agents and talk of annexing part of a sovereign European nation, should Micheál Martin attend?Pat asked Malcolm Byrne TD, Spokesperson on Climate, Environment and Energy, Fianna Fáil, Wicklow-Wexford and Richard Boyd-Barrett TD, People Before Profit, Dún Laoghaire.
Jan 27, 2026 • 8min
Storm Chandra has caused major distributions this morning
The impact of storm Chandra has caused major distributions this morning. Our reporter Josh Crosbie who is standing by in one of the worst affected areas of Dublin.
