The Hard Shoulder

Is Ireland in a much better state than some believe? Will we have another Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil coalition – not because of a lack of choice, but because they’ve earned our vote?Former Ambassador and Consultant Commentator Daniel Mulhall has been tweeting his opinion, and joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

Newly-elected Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes was suspended from the party over shares that he sold from a company linked to the Israeli Defence Forces. There is now pressure for him to resign, should he?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP and chair of the Development of Palestinian Relations at the European Parliament…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss why satirical news outlet The Onion was rejected in their bid to purchase Alex Jones’ InfoWars…

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney recently wrote in the Irish Independent questioning whether or not teachers should be called by their first names. So, should we drop the sir’s and miss’?Well, Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been gathering thoughts from the public, and joins Anton Savage to share what he’s heard.

Northern Ireland have made the decision to ban puberty blockers indefinitely for under 18s.Is this unfair to members of the trans community, and should it looked to be reversed? Or, should we follow in Northern Ireland’s footsteps and ban it in the Republic?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Ronan Mullen, Independent Senator and Jude Copeland, LGBTQ Advocate and Activist.

All this month the Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2024’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.One incident was more shameful than others when anti-immigration protests at the former Crown Paint factory on Malahide Road in Coolock turned into rioting...Fianna Fáil Councilor for Artane/Whitehall, Racheal Batten joins Anton to discuss.

Over the past few months, the only time you might’ve heard about Lebanon is in relation to a breaking news story. But, Anton’s next guest was born there and has returned regularly, writing books about his travels.Joining the show to discuss is Dom Joly, the Comedian and Travel Writer.

A nightclub in the UK has raised a few eyebrows with its quirky policy on smartphone use.The Amber Nightclub in Manchester has implemented a strict rule that you must cover your phone’s camera with a sticker to enter with the idea to stop phone use and increase enjoyment and immersion in the event.Is this a good idea, and should Irish nightclubs follow suit?Guest host Anton Savage is joined by Ed Smith from Today FM and Becca Fisher, Music Journalist at DMG to discuss.

Paul Howard, Journalist, Author and Comedy Writer joins Jonathan Healy this week to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!Favourite Book: Trainspotting – Irving WelshHonorable Mention:Me Cheeta: The Autobiography - James LeverCurrently Reading:Our London Lives by Our London Lives by Christine Dwyer Hickey

The mother of two boys who are being held in by their father in Egypt is pleading with An Taoiseach Simon Harris to bring her case up to the Egyptian President during his state visit this week…Mother Mandy Kelly joins Jonathan Healy to discuss.