The Hard Shoulder

Traitors Ireland is the most successful RTÉ programme since Love/Hate getting Late Late Toy Show ratings. Henry McKean met Traitors and Faithfuls at The Traitors Finale Watch Party, and sends in this report!

Maria Steen has failed in her attempt to be a presidential candidate in the coming election…Receiving 18 votes of support from Oireachtas members out of 20 ,she narrowly missed the mark.Joining Kieran with the latest and to discuss is Pat Leahy, Political Editor with the Irish Times and Peadar Tóbín, TD for Meath West and Aontú Leader.

Legislation is being discussed in the Dáil on the restriction of vape products.To talk more about this issue and the impact it’s having on young people, Kieran is joined by Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at CHI Crumlin & member of the Irish Thoracic Society Council, Professor Des Cox.

Should we be tracking our kids, or are things like Xplora watches simply another way to helicopter parent?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mary McCarthy, Columnist with The Irish Independent and Ciara O’Brien, Business and Tech Journalist with The Irish Times.Image: Xplora

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his recommendations for a winter getaway!

Joining Kieran is Social Democrats Senator Patricia Stephenson, who has recently visited the West Bank to understand what life is like for Palestinians there…

Former Rugby International Shane Byrne joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The budget for processing and providing accommodation to asylum seekers has grown to €1.2 billion this year. Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD and chair of the Oireachtas Migration Committee is calling on Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan this afternoon to provide more transparency on where this money is being spent…TD Matt Carthy joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Immigration Lawyer Cathal Malone to discuss what is driving the substantial cost of the system.

Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly today for the first time in 6 years. He lambasted the assembly and others on various matters, from immigration to climate change…This comes as the United Nations struggles to deal with conflicts and international crises.Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports Founder and White House Bureau Chief.Image: Reuters

After weeks of lies and betrayal and an audience that was gripped to their screens, we have reached the finale of The Traitors, airing tonight…Are you excited? Who do you think will win?Comedian Alison Spittle joins Kieran to discuss!