The Claire Byrne Show

I’m now joined by Dr Paddy Barrett, Preventative Cardiologist at Blackrock Clinic, to talk about both the expected and unexpected effects of starting weight loss medication, and stopping it. 

The Champions League tie between Benfica and Real Madrid was halted for 10 minutes after the spanish team’s forward, Vinicius Jr was allegedly racially abused by the opposition’s Gianluca Prestianni. To talk through what happened Claire spoke to Daniel Pitcher, from Off The Ball, and former Irish football international and rugby player, Jackie McCarthy O’Brien. On the topic of abuse in sport, Australian professional tennis player Destanee Aiava, announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 25 and says it is a toxic environment. Claire spoke to former professional tennis player, Jenny Claffey. 

The Tanaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris says that only the uber-wealthy can make money on their investments.  So what might his special savings plan for the so-called "middle classes” look like? All to discuss with Cian Carolan QFA, Managing Director DNG Financial Services. 

How important is the cleanliness of the air we breathe?  Well, a new report says that air pollution has no safe level and contributes to heart and lung disease, stroke, dementia, pregnancy complications as well as mental health issues.  So is clean air a human right? Jennifer Whitmore is a Social Democrats TD for Wicklow and Spokesperson for Climate, Environment and Energy 

We are all doing things every day that are hurting our bodies. It’s actually pretty easy to stop them, and to tell us how was Physiotherapist Lowry O’Mahony.

What should be done with the empty shops in our cities? One proposal being considered by Dublin City Council is turning them into staffed “concierge-type” public toilets. Someone who supports that plan is CEO of Dublin Town Richard Guiney who joined Claire in studio. Also Claire heard from Maria Crowe, campaigner for the No Wait Card.

The Irish Road Haulage Association will today tell the transport committee that the Road safety authority needs "radical reform" and that it is broken beyond repair. Speaking to Claire was The Irish Road Haulage Association Deputy Vice President Eugene Drennan. 

It’s Pancake Tuesday, so better to hear from on this day than chef and mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin! 

Former US President Barack Obama comments on aliens have been trending online after was asked about them on a podcast It caused such a big stir he had to clarify on instagram that the US wasn’t hiding aliens saying: “I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!” But it doesn’t matter, people’s imaginations had already stirred.To discuss the chances of aliens having visited earth Claire chatted to Space Commentator, Leo Enright. 

Actress Charlene McKenna currently starring alongside her real-life husband in a new production of The Crucible in The Gaiety Theatre. Charlene joined Claire in studio this morning.