The Hard Shoulder

Former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins has submitted €2.1 million euro in legal costs as a result of the court action she took against the Houses of the Oireachtas... It’s a saga that, in total, has lasted for more than a decade now. For more on this, Kieran is joined by Martin Wall, Public Policy Correspondent for the Irish Times.

Chris Andrews, Sinn Féin Senator, is on board the Spectre boat in the flotilla that is destined for Gaza when it was attacked by Israeli drones and struck four times on Tuesday night… Chris joins Kieran from the boat to discuss and give the latest updates. Also joining to discuss is Dr Muhamed Shaallan, a Surgeon who was in Gaza…

It's definitely early to think about it, but as we enter the last quarter of the year, you may already be imagining the budget for Christmas... What are the spending tips to follow now, so you don’t end up feeling the effects in January? Joining Kieran with her top tips is Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.

Former US President Barack Obama will be awarded the Freedom of Dublin today, with some Independent Dublin Councillors calling for a boycott. Dublin City Council voted in 2017 to grant him the honour, and he has decided to accept it in a ceremony in Dublin with Lord Mayor Ray McAdam and a number of councillors in attendance. Do you think it’s good that this is happening? Joining Kieran to discuss...

Ahead of the upcoming presidential election on October 24th, posters are popping up across the country, which raises the question: are they still necessary? Joining Kieran to discuss is Shelly Heterich Quinn, former County Councilor and Ger Deere, Mayo County Councilor.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about. This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how you can (in the best way possible) break up with someone…

“Thats one small step for Man one giant leap for Mankind”... We may hear those words again in the coming years as yesterday Nasa announced its first crewed mission to the moon in 50 years is to take place next February, as they prepare for another lunar landing as early as 2027. Joining Kieran to discuss is Leo Enright, Space Commentator and former Chairman of the Irish Government’s Science Awaren...

Budget day is almost upon us, and it’s once again in the shadow of the high cost-of-living... A big part of that is energy prices, and many providers have announced hikes, which for many will kick in next week. Is there any hope for a reduction in costs? Joining Kieran to discuss this more is Darragh Cassidy, Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie .

Former US President Barack Obama is to be awarded the Freedom of Dublin tomorrow. What does this mean, and should there be a new award? Joining Kieran to discuss is Irish Times journalist and Historian, Ronan McGreevy.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran ahead of the big Dublin NFL game to talk about some of the unique technology used in the sporting organisation. Image: NFL Football Operations

Europe and the US will face off against each other in just two days as the Ryder Cup returns. The Americans will be keen to reclaim the cup after the Europeans won out last time… Joining Kieran to look ahead to it all is Irish golfing legend and member of 6 Ryder cup teams, Pádraig Harrington.

Traitors Ireland is the most successful RTÉ programme since Love/Hate getting Late Late Toy Show ratings. Henry McKean met Traitors and Faithfuls at The Traitors Finale Watch Party, and sends in this report!

Maria Steen has failed in her attempt to be a presidential candidate in the coming election… Receiving 18 votes of support from Oireachtas members out of 20 ,she narrowly missed the mark. Joining Kieran with the latest and to discuss is Pat Leahy, Political Editor with the Irish Times and Peadar Tóbín, TD for Meath West and Aontú Leader.

Legislation is being discussed in the Dáil on the restriction of vape products. To talk more about this issue and the impact it’s having on young people, Kieran is joined by Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at CHI Crumlin & member of the Irish Thoracic Society Council, Professor Des Cox.

Should we be tracking our kids, or are things like Xplora watches simply another way to helicopter parent? Joining Kieran to discuss is Mary McCarthy, Columnist with The Irish Independent and Ciara O’Brien, Business and Tech Journalist with The Irish Times. Image: Xplora

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his recommendations for a winter getaway!

Joining Kieran is Social Democrats Senator Patricia Stephenson, who has recently visited the West Bank to understand what life is like for Palestinians there…

Former Rugby International Shane Byrne joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The budget for processing and providing accommodation to asylum seekers has grown to €1.2 billion this year. Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD and chair of the Oireachtas Migration Committee is calling on Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan this afternoon to provide more transparency on where this money is being spent… TD Matt Carthy joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Immigration Lawyer Cathal Malone to dis...

Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly today for the first time in 6 years. He lambasted the assembly and others on various matters, from immigration to climate change… This comes as the United Nations struggles to deal with conflicts and international crises. Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports Founder and White House Bureau Chief. Image: Reuters

Presidential Hopeful Maria Steen is edging closer and closer to being on the ballot on Friday the 24th of October. Having secured the support of Independent Ireland today she has received 17 votes out of the required 20. Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times and Minister for State and Independent TD for Sligo Leitrim, Marian Harkin.

After weeks of lies and betrayal and an audience that was gripped to their screens, we have reached the finale of The Traitors, airing tonight… Are you excited? Who do you think will win? Comedian Alison Spittle joins Kieran to discuss!

With the World Athletics Championships concluding in Tokyo last weekend, did Ireland fall short, match or surpass expectations? And, do we need to do more to support our Irish athletes? Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul McDermott, High Performance Director with Sport Ireland.

We’re coming closer to the introduction of a ‘digital euro’, but what does it all mean? Joining Kieran to explain it all in detail is Jonathan Keane, Journalist with The Currency.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Dr. Iseult Sheehan, Clinical Director at Allergy Ireland to discuss how you can manage your child’s food allergies.