The Hard Shoulder

The firing gun has officially been shot today as the Dáil has dissolved, meaning General Election 2024 is on.What are some of the issues which will be at play, and how will the parties look to secure your vote over the next three weeks?Joining Kieran to discuss is Alison O’Connor, Broadcaster and Columnist with the Sunday Times and Pat Leahy, Political Editor at the Irish Times, as well as Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie asking the public for their opinion.

The International Air Transport Association is cracking down on people who “gate lice”, AKA people who don’t adhere to the official boarding lines and start their own queues.Why do we do our own things when it comes to queues, and not adhere to proper etiquette?Jim Elliot is a Comedian and long-time queuer, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Dáil has officially dissolved as Taoiseach Simon Harris kicks off the next General Election, with November 29th marked as voting day.So, what can we expect, and what do voters want to see changed? Kieran is joined by Political Editor with the Sunday Times, Hugh O’Connell to discuss, while Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie reports.

It's official, the General Election will take place on November 29th.After weeks of speculation, Taoiseach Simon Harris announced the date of the General Election yesterday evening.Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin, joins Kieran to discuss what is to come as Taoiseach Simon Harris dissolves the Dáil on Friday.

The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) has been banned by the Israeli government from operating on their soil and in occupied Palestinian territory. Why was this decision made?Dana Erlich, Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, joins Kieran to discuss this and more, including the proposed Occupied Territories Bill, and Trump’s potential impact on peace in the Middle East.

During the US election, CNN and ABC had 30 second ad breaks of silence, orchestrated by the meditation app ‘Calm,’ which allowed viewers to have a few moments of serenity during the chaotic time.Michael Ryan, a Yoga Meditation Teacher, famously Michael D. Higgins’ Yoga Teacher, joins Kieran to discuss how important meditating is in modern life.

The €9m spend on mobile phone pouches for schools will not be a one-off investment and will cost an additional €2 million a year. That’s according to documents received under a freedom of information request from Sinn Féin.Pearse Doherty, Deputy Leader of Sinn Féin and Party Spokesperson on Finance and Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies join Kieran to discuss.Image: Yondr

While promoting his new film Tom Hanks described being 35 as “That time when your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down and your bones start wearing off…”Is it true? Is 35 where we reach our peak? Joining Kieran to discuss is Journalist and Producer of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast from The Irish Times, Aideen Finnegan and Comedian Steve Cummins.

With Trump successfully winning the race to the White House - what are the thoughts from supporters and otherwise outside Trump Tower in New York City? Kieran Cuddihy has gone there to find out!Image: Trump Tower New York

Earlier in the week, Radio Host on WBAI New York, taxi driver and veteran John McDonagh said on the show that despite what the polls were saying, Donald Trump would win this election…John joins Kieran along with Kirtsten Fleming, Features Columnist for the New York Post, to discuss following Trump’s comeback victory.