The Hard Shoulder

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Saoirse Hanley, Columnist and Audience Editor for The Independent  and Niamh O'Reilly, Freelance Writer and Journalist to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

This day two weeks we will be going to the polls, and all sectors of society are looking to see what party will deliver for them. We've heard from the publicans, the farmers, and plenty of others, but what about the hairdressers. What are the customers telling their hairdressers they want to see come out of the election? Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been visiting salons right across Dublin today to find out...

Off The Ball's Ger Gilroy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean met TV presenter Gráinne Seoige in Kylemore Abbey, to discuss running in the General Election for Fianna Fail in Galway West . Henry sent this report from a park bench.  

Kieran was joined by Dave Moore, presenter of The Dave Moore Show on Today FM to discuss his new book 'Dave's Bad Jokes'.

Now that we're coming into the Christmas season Kieran was joined by Alexandra Ryan, CEO and Founder of Goss.ie and Brian Lloyd, Entertainment Journalist to debate if there is still a need for Christmas adverts.

Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO of SUAS Aerospace, plans to launch rockets from the west coast of Ireland, where his company will operate two commercial spaceports, by next year.Rory is convinced this project will be worth billions, and is therefore opportunistic for Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss.

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.This week, Jeff joins Kieran to discuss Trump’s picks for cabinet when he begins his presidency next year, and why Democrats aren’t happy about them.Image: Reuters, AFP

In the lead up to the General Election, big debates are being held on the Hard Shoulder. Today: the cost of living.With it being an issue for the majority of voters, how will the candidates tackle it and reduce costs?Joining Kieran to debate is Pearse Doherty, Deputy Leader of Sinn Féin & Party Spokesperson on Finance, Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Southwest,Barry Ward, Fine Gael Senator, Spokesperson on Justice and General Election candidate in Dun Laoghaire and Kate O’Connell, Community Pharmacist, Former TD and Independent General Election candidate for Dublin Bay South.

Former MP and Olympian Sebastion Coe has been out canvassing for the role of President at the International Olympic Committee. One belief they have said is that the protection of female sports is important, which suggests that transgender athletes may not be allowed to compete in female categories.Is this fair, and would female Olympians welcome this change?Joining Kieran to discuss is former Olympian, Sharron Davies.