Newstalk Breakfast
Newstalk
Presented by Anton Savage, a seasoned broadcaster and communications expert, this show has everything you need – and want – to know first thing each morning, brought to you with insight, intelligence and wit. 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 8, 2026 • 6min
Danish MP Lars Christian Brask on the threats to annex Greenland
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced he will hold talks with Denmark next week amid concerns over America's desire to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Lars Christian Brask, Danish MP, Deputy Speaker, Chairman of the Nordic Council Vice and Chair of the Foreign Policy and Security Council.
Jan 7, 2026 • 11min
Darragh Ennis takes his new live quiz shows on the road!
The Chase has been a staple of quiz show television for over a decade, and a few years ago neuroscientist Darragh Ennis took the unlikely journey from contestant to Chaser. Now, he’s taking his new live quiz shows on the road! Shane caught up with Darragh and began by asking him if he was always interested in quizzing.
Jan 7, 2026 • 5min
Should GAA teams split children up based on skill?
Dividing young GAA players into teams based on their ability can be “very beneficial” if done correctly, a new study has found. All to discuss with Postdoctoral researcher Dr David Moran, formerly a games promotion officer at various Dublin clubs.
Jan 7, 2026 • 8min
Trump discusses "a range of options" to acquire Greenland
US President Donald Trump has been discussing "a range of options" to acquire Greenland, including use of the military, the White House said. For more on this we heard from Hans Peter Michaelsen, analyst with 41 years of experience from the Royal Danish Air Force and various joint positions in Danish Defence and also Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast.
Jan 7, 2026 • 7min
Is complaining an alien concept to us?
In Ireland, we love to moan about the weather, self-service tills, and many other things. However, complaining is a different art form altogether, which we Irish need to get better at. That's according Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney in the Irish Examiner.
Jan 7, 2026 • 5min
Mercosur trade deal up for debate in Europe
The Government has said it still has grave concerns about the Mercosur trade deal ahead of a crucial EU vote on Friday. Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon will attend an EU farm ministers meeting in Brussels today, where bilateral meetings will be held on the issue. We discuss this further with Cynthia Ní Mhurchú Ireland South MEP for Fianna Fáil.
Jan 7, 2026 • 5min
Driving test instructors have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action
Driving test instructors have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action following a row with the Road Safety Authority over insurance indemnity. Fórsa has accused the RSA of failing to ensure that testers are fully and unconditionally covered by the State Claims Agency while carrying out their duties. We heard from Brenda Bolger Owner Bolger School of Motoring.
Jan 7, 2026 • 4min
Should GAA teams split children up based on skill?
Should GAA teams split children up based on skill? Ciara and Shane discussed this morning.
Jan 7, 2026 • 5min
UK and France have agreed to deploy forces to Ukraine
The UK and France have agreed to deploy forces to Ukraine and build facilities to produce weapons and military equipment for the country in the event of a peace deal between Kyiv and Russia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made this announcement following yesterday’s Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris. To discuss this further is Defence Expert at the University of Bath and former NATO analyst, Patrick Bury.
Jan 6, 2026 • 5min
Batches of baby formula recalled due to potential toxin
Several SMA infant formula and follow-on formula products have been recalled due to the possible presence of the toxin cereulide. We got the details and advice for parents from Dr Michelle Minihan Director of Audit, Incidents and Investigations at the Food Safety Authority Ireland.
