The Hard Shoulder

President Volodymir Zelenskyy has thanked the Irish people for their steadfast support of Ukraine and “not losing faith in us” as he addressed the Dáil today as part of his first official state visit to Ireland.His speech comes at a time of huge importance for his country as a potential peace deal edges closer nearly four years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country…Joining Ciara Doherty to give their reactions is Tom McEnaney, Media Consultant and Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, Luba Healy, Ukrainian living in Ireland for 25 years and charity founder and Adi Roche, Founder and Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International.

TV Presenter Karen Koster joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The Irish Farmers Association has raised serious concerns after the European Commission moved to recall Brazilian beef products which had been imported into the European Union.The beef was found to have contained hormones which are banned across the EU. The beef product made its way into a number of countries including Britain and Northern Ireland.It comes as the debate continues in Europe over the introduction of the Mecosur Trade Deal…Ciara Doherty is joined by IFA President Francie Gorman to discuss…

The state visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been taking place today, coming as the US tries to broker a ceasefire.Zelenskyy has also been addressing a joint sitting of the Dáil this afternoon.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the key takeaways so far…

Have rom-coms lost their magic? Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who starred as Sam in Love Actually, seems to think so. As he says they are from a bygone era in cinema. Is he right?Joining Ciara to discuss is Entertainment Journalist, Brian Lloyd.

A new and potent strain of flu is taking hold across the country, with the HSE urging people to get vaccinated before Christmas.The increase in cases means the health service could be under sustained pressure in the coming weeks.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Monaghan-based GP, Illona Duffy.

You won't be seeing or hearing the iconic ‘Holidays are Coming’ Coca-Cola ad on your screens this Christmas! The company has decided to make a new version with AI generation to replace the classic.But, why would a brand like Coca-Cola use AI for advertising, and is this a trend?Joining Ciara to discuss is Brand Strategist at Neworld, Kerry Matzelle.Image: Coca-Cola

The Petitions Committee is considering a petition to ban election posters in Ireland. Do you think it would be a good idea - whether for environmental reasons, or simply being an eyesore?Newstalk's Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Former US President Bill Clinton visited Dublin 30 years ago. What was the significance of this visit? Did this signal a peak in US and Irish relations still being felt today?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Mark Little, Broadcaster and Tech Entrepreneur, who was RTÉ’s Washington Correspondent in 1995 when Clinton was here and Northern Ireland Journalist Eamonn Mallie.

Advertisements have recently appeared on the New York subway, offering would-be parents the chance to “genetically optimise” their future babies. So, what would this genetic modification involve, and would it be ethical to do?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Professor of Medical Genetics at UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, and Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Andrew Green.