The Hard Shoulder

The government has suggested that asylum seekers who are working could have to contribute up to 238 euros toward their state accommodation and services.Is this reasonable and fair to ask of Asylum Seekers coming to Ireland?Kieran is joined by Fergus Finlay, Columnist for the Irish Examiner, to discuss.

It has been 40 years this year since the debut studio album ‘Red Roses for Me’ by the Pogues was released.And for this week’s Thursday Interview, Kieran is joined by Pogues Co-Founder Spider Stacy.

An anti-immigration protest took place today, beginning on O’Connell Street and ending in front of Leinster House.To discuss what happened, Kieran is joined by Louise Burne, Political Correspondent for the Irish Mirror.Image: @louiseburne_ on X

You’ve seen the shocking attacks via pagers in Lebanon over the last few days, but there’s no sign that this bloodshed is going to stop. That’s according to professor Amnon Aran, professor of Middle Eastern Politics at City St. George’s University London. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Last week, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that he believes that the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury and later doubled down on his comments when asked to defend them. He spoke about it on Newstalk Breakfast earlier this week.Joining Kieran to respond to those comments is Sophie’s son, Pierre-Louis Baudey Vignaud.

The European Union is urging member countries to ban smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces like playgrounds, bus stops, and café terraces as part of its 'Beating Cancer Plan. The aim is to protect citizens from second-hand smoke.However, Irish Minister Jack Chambers has expressed doubts, saying he's 'not sure how workable' the proposal is.Joining Kieran to discuss is John Crowne, Professor and Consultant Medical Oncologist at St Vincent’s Hospital Group and Dr Garrett McGovern, Medical Director of Priority Medical Clinic and GP specialising in Addiction.

Managing the politics, guest list, activities, and goodie bags of your kids’ birthdays can be hectic – and that’s barely scratching the surface of how crazy things can get!Joining Kieran to share their experiences and how best to manage the stress is Host of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy and Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran to compare different options to find the best cookie!

As the legendary Hamilton musical makes its way to the Bórd Gáis on its UK & Ireland tour, Kieran speaks with some of the cast about the show.Shaq Taylor and Sam Oladeinde, who play American Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr respectively, join to discuss.

Following Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie’s report regarding HSE spending on walking aids, including the reveal of figures, David Cullinane, Sinn Féin’s Health Spokesperson joins Kieran to discuss further.