The Claire Byrne Show
Newstalk
Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered.From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 27, 2026 • 10min
The Green Party has won the Gorton and Denton by-election
The Green Party has won the Gorton and Denton by-election. It's the party’s first ever Westminster by-election win. Hannah Spencer won by more than 4,000 votes. Reform came second, with Labour trailing in third. The Tories performed so badly that they lost their election deposit.
Feb 26, 2026 • 10min
Living with PERM Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)
When you get a life-changing diagnosis, your world is turned upside-down. But life changes hugely for those who are closest to you too. Peter Grealis, husband of Brenda Grealis and family friend Caroline Murnan joined Claire on supporting Brenda through PERM Stiff Person Syndrome Diagnosis.
Feb 26, 2026 • 7min
The Clintons prepare to testify
The Epstein Files fallout continues as the Clintons prepare to testify and the Justice Department is accused of withholding information on Donald Trump. To talk through the latest was Chief Correspondent of Feature Story News, Simon Marks.
Feb 26, 2026 • 12min
FAI confirmed Ireland will play Israel at the Aviva Stadium
The FAI have said that The Republic of Ireland has "no choice" but to fulfil its Nations League fixtures with Israel. This comes after they confirmed Ireland will play Israel at the Aviva Stadium. Joining Claire to discuss is Solicitor to the Professional Footballers Association Stuart Gilhooly.
Feb 26, 2026 • 10min
How to navigate the Fair Deal Scheme
Many of you will have experience of trying to access the Fair Deal Scheme when someone in your family needs long term care in a nursing home. But what how easy is it to navigate and what does it mean for your family home if you sign up? All to talk about with Eamon O’Brien Managing Director of FairDealAssist.ie.
Feb 26, 2026 • 11min
Weasel words perhaps the annoying linguistic habit you do!
Weasel words perhaps the annoying linguistic habit you do, but don’t even know you’re doing it! Because it seems as though we’re hedging our language more than ever. But what are weasel words? All to discuss with Barry McLoughlin, Head of Client Management at Communications Clinic and Gail Flanagan a Linguist in the University of Limerick.
Feb 26, 2026 • 16min
Hundreds of children could be left without special school places
Hundreds of children could be denied a school place in a special classroom from September, as the level of demand has far exceeded expectation. We get reaction on this with Irish Independent Political editor Mary Regan who has the story. Also we got reaction to the news today from two parents Amy Hennessy from Dunshaughlin and Natalia Montalvo from Dublin.
Feb 26, 2026 • 7min
Cancer survivors are not getting the tailored nutritional advice they need
New research has revealed that Cancer survivors in Ireland are not getting the tailored nutritional advice they need. A review titled: Nutrition in Cancer Survivorship: Bridging the Evidence-practice Gap is shining a light on the issue. Dr Laura Keaver, a senior lecturer in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the Atlantic Technological University in Sligo lead the review and spoke to Claire this morning.
Feb 26, 2026 • 9min
Bond James Bond but who is in running?
So what does it take to be a Bond, and who is in the running? All to chat about with Cara O’Doherty film reviewer and Bond fan.
Feb 26, 2026 • 13min
How can we ease climate anxiety among teens
Being a teenager has never been easy, but growing up in a world that’s seemingly sinking, on fire or running out of resources makes it infinitely harder. Climate anxiety now impacts 2/3 young people . So just how does it manifest, and what can parents do to ease the overwhelm? Newstalk’s Sarah Madden has been looking into this.
