The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

In this episode, Niall explores the reactions following Leo Varadkar's unexpected resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, citing personal and political reasons. Varadkar's tenure has been marked by a mix of achievements and challenges, as outlined in his farewell address outside Government Buildings in Dublin. He highlighted milestones such as steering Ireland through economic crises, ma...

In this episode, Niall tackles the contentious question: Is Free Speech An Absolute? Recent developments in Ireland and Scotland regarding hate speech legislation have ignited fervent debate over the boundaries of free expression. Elon Musk's stance on free speech contrasts sharply with proposed hate speech laws, sparking discussions about the government's role in regulating speech. Some callers a...

In this episode, Niall tackles the contentious question: Is It Irresponsible to Have Children You Cannot Afford? As Ireland, like many nations, grapples with declining birth rates, the affordability of raising children emerges as a critical issue. With the average cost of raising a child soaring, many prospective parents face tough choices about family planning. Drawing from a diverse array of per...

In this emotionally charged episode, Niall delves into the heart-wrenching question: Should Children Attend Funerals? The topic stems from a poignant email shared by a listener, shedding light on the profound dilemma faced by a grieving family. The email recounts the listener's struggle after her husband's mother unexpectedly passed away, leaving them grappling with the decision of whether to brin...

In this episode, Niall dives into the contentious debate: Should We Lower The Age Of Voting? A Fine Gael Senator recently stirred the pot, suggesting that 16-year-olds should have the right to vote, arguing that politically-minded youth feel ignored by the establishment. But is 16 too young? Are they mature enough to influence their own future through voting? The discussion heats up as callers sha...

In this episode, Niall delves into the contentious debate surrounding the role of education in shaping students' views on climate change. The discussion centers on a draft Leaving Cert specification on "climate action," which proposes teaching students how to "effectively organize" around climate issues and study the "tactics" of "activists," including "direct action" and "civil disobedience." The...

In this episode, Niall delves into a controversial topic surrounding the treatment of asylum seekers in Dublin. The recent clearing of a makeshift migrant camp near Mount Street ahead of St. Patrick’s Day has sparked outrage and debate. The government's decision to relocate around 200 asylum seekers to another camp near the Dublin mountains has been criticized as a cynical ploy. Activists argue th...

In this episode, Niall tackles the question: Would You Bring Your Mother-in-law on holidays? It all started with an email from a listener who can't stand his mother-in-law, especially due to her knack for ruining family events with her excessive drinking, including their own wedding. Despite the listener's objections, his wife insists on inviting her mom along on their family holiday. Some callers...

In this episode, Niall tackles a difficult question: Would you steal to provide for your family? The discussion stems from an email sent in by a listener working in a low-paying job at a warehouse, where he's tempted to participate in package theft to make ends meet. With no guests, Niall opens the lines to callers to weigh in on this moral dilemma. Some callers empathize with the listener's pligh...

In this episode, Niall explores a story he encountered online, sparking a profound discussion on the complexities of marriage and the desire for children. The story revolves around a couple's journey through infertility, culminating in a heartfelt dilemma: should one partner leave the marriage due to the inability to conceive? The story, shared online, narrates the couple's dream of starting a fam...

In this episode, Niall explores the recent approval of the European Union's legislation to provide digital ID wallets to its residents, sparking a debate on the merits and concerns surrounding this initiative. Niall highlights key aspects of the EU Digital Identity Framework, emphasizing its aim to offer residents free digital ID wallets, providing full control over personal data and ensuring priv...

In this episode, Niall explores a contentious issue: whether sex education should be integrated into the primary school curriculum. The discussion stems from proposed changes to the primary-level curriculum, including introducing lessons on sex, consent, and relationships at an earlier age. Drawing from a script provided by Newstalk, Niall highlights the rationale behind the proposed overhaul, emp...

In this episode, Niall explores the current state of the electric vehicle (EV) market and whether the initial excitement surrounding EVs has diminished over time. The discussion is sparked by recent data indicating significant depreciation in the value of electric vehicles compared to traditional petrol cars. Referencing insights from choosemycar.com , Niall delves into the reasons behind the depr...

In this insightful interview, Niall engages in a dialogue with Brenda Power, a prominent figure in Irish journalism and broadcasting, to dissect the role of the Electoral Commission in shaping the democratic process in Ireland. The conversation delves into the ongoing controversy surrounding Senator Sharon Keogan's referendum posters, which have been flagged by the Electoral Commission for factual...

In this episode, Niall addresses a challenging dilemma posed by a listener: whether to report their own child for dealing drugs. The email recounts a parent's shocking discovery of drugs hidden in their son's room, sparking intense debate within the family about the appropriate course of action. The situation becomes increasingly tense as the parents confront their son, who vehemently denies any w...

In this episode, Niall explores a contentious question: Do You Have Sympathy For Homeless Migrants? Recent events outside the International Protection Office in Dublin have highlighted the challenges faced by asylum seekers left without adequate shelter, particularly in harsh weather conditions. Despite efforts by authorities to provide emergency beds, many migrants find themselves back in tents a...

In this thought-provoking episode, Niall delves into the contentious topic of animal welfare and the perceived hypocrisy of meat consumption. The discussion is prompted by a message from a vegan listener who challenges the inconsistency of loving pets while consuming animals as food. Niall begins by presenting findings from a survey commissioned by Future Normal and The Vegan Society, revealing th...

In this episode, Niall delves into a contentious topic: the allocation of resources to the Irish language. The discussion centers on whether the significant financial investment in promoting and preserving the Irish language is justified, given the relatively low number of fluent speakers outside of the education system. Niall begins by presenting data that highlights the decline of Irish language...

In this episode, Niall provides an in-depth analysis of the upcoming referendums in Ireland, focusing on proposed changes to the Constitution regarding the concepts of family and care. The first referendum addresses the concept of family, proposing changes to Article 41 of the Constitution. Irish citizens will have the opportunity to vote on two proposed changes: one involving the recognition of f...

In this compelling interview, Niall engages with Independent TD Michael McNamara on three critical topics: the upcoming referendum, Ireland's immigration policy, and the Covid inquiry. Michael McNamara shares his insights on the ambiguity surrounding the referendum in March, particularly focusing on the government's decision to leave the definition of a "durable relationship" to the courts. He emp...

In this episode, Niall addresses a dilemma sent in by a listener named Shirley, who seeks advice on a challenging situation. Shirley and her boyfriend are preparing to move in together, but her boyfriend's beloved German Shepherd, Luna, poses a significant obstacle due to Shirley's deep-seated fear of dogs. Shirley shares her fear stemming from a traumatic childhood experience with Niall, expressi...

In this episode, Niall discusses the concerning trend of business closures in rural Ireland. The episode begins with a discussion around the closure of Burnt Pizza, a restaurant in Cork, which resulted in the loss of up to 10 jobs. The owner, Damien Twohig, attributes the closure to various factors, including the government's decision to restore the VAT rate for food-led businesses, increased mini...

In this episode, Niall navigates the heart-wrenching dilemma faced by a listener who discovered through a DNA test that her eldest son is not her husband's biological child. Struggling with overwhelming guilt and uncertainty, she seeks guidance on whether to reveal this devastating truth to her husband and risk shattering the foundation of their family. The listener's heartfelt email sets the stag...

In this episode, Niall explores the findings of a recent poll indicating that immigration is a significant concern for voters in Ireland. Drawing insights from John McGuirk's analysis in Gript media, Niall discusses the methodology and implications of the Irish Times/MRBI “snapshot” poll, offering a unique perspective on the issues that matter most to the public. Exploring the poll results, Niall...

In this interview, Niall engages in a discussion with Prof. Patricia Casey, a distinguished psychiatrist, academic, journalist, and conservative commentator on social issues. Together, they delve into the upcoming referendum on Article 41 and 41.2 of the Irish Constitution, which propose significant amendments regarding the concept of family and the role of women in the home. Drawing from a recent...