The Hard Shoulder

Pricewatch, a column in The Irish Times, has been gripping readers for 20 years, as it is the place where consumers can find the best value for their money.The creator of the column, Conor Pope, who is also the Consumer Affairs Correspondent for The Irish Times, joins Kieran to discuss all things buyers, businesses, scams, and his renowned journalistic career!

This week, Kieran was joined by RTÉ Broadcaster Dave Fanning to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!Favourite Book: 1234 Beatles in Time by Craig BrownHonourable mention: Thomas Hardy – Mayor of CasterbridgeCurrently Read: David Hepworth  - A Fabulous Creation: How the LP Saved Our Lives

Sweden has sent out millions of pamphlets advising residents how to prepare for possible war. This is while Finland has launched a new website on preparedness, as the war between Russia and Ukraine grinds on.The move follows the Nordic neighbours dropping decades of military non-alignment to join NATO after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022…Freelance Journalist Philip O’Connor, who’s based in Sweden, joins Kieran to discuss.

Today is International Men’s Day, and rather than focusing on toxic masculinity, which is covered quite often in the media, Kieran is joined by a panel to talk about ‘positive masculinity.’Michael Harding Author and Columnist with the Irish Times and Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo join to discuss.

In the lead up to the General Election, big debates are being held on the Hard Shoulder. Today: Housing.What are parties promising, and how can issues with supply and cost be solved?Joining Kieran to debate is Rory Hearne, Social Democrats Candidate for Dublin North West, Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Fein Housing Spokesperson and General Election Candidate for Dublin Mid West, Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal and Neasa Hourigan, Green Party TD for Dublin Central and Spokesperson on Finance and Health.

As the various political leaders get briefed on the topics of tonight's RTE Leaders’ debate,  will you be watching?Many of those who avoid politics throughout the year may well consider tonight’s debate a ‘cannot-miss’. Why is that?Kieran is joined by Broadcaster and Journalist Stefanie Preissner and later by Lorcan Nyhan from the Communications Clinic and Comedian Jim Elliott to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie to discuss potty training, and how best to ease the transition from nappies.

County Clare has been included in Condé Nast Traveller's list of the 25 best places to visit in Europe, and features alongside Marseille and Vienna!Condé Nast notes traditional Irish music as a selling point as well as County Clare becoming the hub of a grassroots revival of other skills, and an inspiring example of ecotourism along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.Joining  Kieran to discuss all the amazing things about Co. Clare are proud Clare people Marcus Horan, former Munster Player and country music star and Presenter of Country Music Hits on Today FM, Clodagh Lawlor.

US officials are saying that President Joe Biden has given the green light for Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the US to strike Russia.What impact could this have on the war in Ukraine? And should we be worried about Russian vessels in the Irish sea?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jason Corcoran, journalist and Russian analyst, and Donnacha O’Beachain, Professor of Politics at DCU.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that on Friday, November 29th, voting will take place for the general election.But, what issues are facing students at this current moment, and what do they want to see resolved?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jenny Maguire, Student Union President of Trinity College Dublin.