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In hiding a cost-benefit analysis for the Ryder Cup in Limerick next year, is the Government in danger of drawing more attention to the costs of subsidising the event? Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to discuss this and recall other occasions when ministers spent public money on major sporting events. Matt reveals that planning for Donald Trump's September visit has accelerated, making it almost certain that he is coming. Lise, Shane and Matt also recall other times when major security operations were put in place for the arrival of foreign dignitaries. They discuss the Stop the Game campaign and whether Ireland should play football against Israel. The hypocrisy of the Aughinish Alumina report gives us another example of the Streisand effect, and they ask whether we take climate issues seriously enough.Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tributes continue following the death of Glen Hansard. Friends and colleagues reflect on the life and legacy of the Oscar-winning musician and frontman of The Frames, described by Bono as the "Voice of the streets".Plus, our final political panel of the season debates the deepening legal aid dispute, an under-subscribed fuel support scheme despite months of protests, and looks back on a turbulent 18 months of Donald Trump's second term ahead of the US midterms.Shane Coleman is joined by Victoria Mary Clarke, Niall Stanage, Paula Butterly, Michael Fitzmaurice and Kevin Doyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet again at the White House — has their turbulent relationship finally thawed?As wildfires rage across France and Spain, and firefighters battle blazes in Munster, is Ireland prepared for more extreme fire seasons?Plus, the All-Ireland celebrations continue in Ballyhaunis.Shane Coleman is joined by Robert Troy, Patricia Stephenson, Larry Donnelly, Naomi O'Leary and John Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Government has set aside €8.5 billion for tax measures and higher spending ahead of Budget 2027. But how far will that money go — and does the Government have the fiscal discipline to deliver?Plus, RTÉ's latest pay figures spark fresh debate, with executives making up nine of the broadcaster's top 10 earners.Shane Coleman is joined by Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers, James Geoghegan, Pearse Doherty and Dr Emma Howard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are scramblers and e-scooters becoming an epidemic of reckless behaviour? Can Ireland protect artists from industrial-scale AI copyright theft? And as the World Cup reaches the semi-finals… is it ever acceptable to support England?Shane Coleman was joined by: Michael Murphy TD, Fine Gael Daniel Ennis TD, Social Democrats Orla Ryan, News Reporter, The Irish Times Sarah Glennane, CEO, Screen Composers Guild of Ireland David Keenan, Singer-songwriter Simon Tierney, Journalist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Metrolink moves a step closer after Transport Infrastructure Ireland acquires a major section of O'Connell Street, but questions remain over rising costs and whether Ireland's biggest infrastructure project could become a financial burden.Meanwhile, concerns grow over e-scooter safety after almost half of Temple Street's ICU beds are occupied by children with head injuries linked to accidents, prompting calls for tighter regulation.And the FAI votes on whether to proceed with the controversial Ireland vs Israel fixtures — but will the decision settle the debate?Shane Coleman was joined by:Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil Aidan O'Farrelly TD, Soc Dems Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor, Irish Examiner Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor, Irish Independent John Joe O'Connell, Vice President, GRA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sinn Féin's proposal for a United Ireland preparations bill faces opposition from Government, reigniting debate over who should lead the conversation on a future referendum and the path towards unity.Meanwhile, questions grow over the justice system after a murder accused was left without legal representation during Garda custody, while the family of Shane O'Farrell calls for urgent action on bail reform.And in the UK, Nigel Farage triggers another by-election after resigning as an MP — only to seek re-election again amid questions over his political future.Shane Coleman was joined by:James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein Emma DeSouza, Journalist Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at DCU Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager at Irish Penal Reform Trust Anna Gross, Political correspondent, Financial Times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland begins its EU presidency amid growing pressure over defence, neutrality and online regulation. We examine whether Ireland can remain an impartial broker, ask if tech regulation is compromised by its ties to Big Tech, and discuss why illegal scramblers remain a danger despite Grace's Law.Shane Coleman was joined by:Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of StateRichard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before Profit - SolidarityAisling Maloney, Political Reporter, Irish IndependentJohnny Ryan, Director of Enforce, ICCL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lise Hand and Shane Coleman join Matt to discuss the race riots in Belfast and how racism is also a major issue throughout the island, how fire bombings have not been restricted to Belfast, and how a blind eye is turned to the island's native criminals. The political posturing over the EU Migration Pact and its implementation. The politics of the Ireland-Israel soccer international. Further developments on the Triple Lock for peacekeeping. And how Jennifer Carroll MacNeill faced down the Rotunda Hospital.Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt is joined by Lise Hand and Shane Coleman to discuss the controversy involving former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his views on immigration, as expressed to a voter who recorded and disclosed them. They offer a detailed assessment of the way in which Bertie Ahern operates and why he is an analogue 20th century politician in a digital world. Discussions on; the appropriate use of our national flag - the tricolour, how immigration will be a factor in next week's by-elections and whether constituency polls are accurate predictors of what will happen. They also discuss Jack Chambers attempts to impose fiscal discipline on his ministerial colleagues, Simon Harris' obsession with savings plans for the well-off and Revenue's approach to taxing sheds for beds.Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shane Coleman and Lise Hand join Matt, and they start with the suggested split in the Healy-Rae dynasty. They discuss all the issues related to the rural-urban divide, with particular emphasis on deprivation in urban areas. What would the public reaction be if people living in the inner cities did what the farmers did? Could the protesters bring us towards having an Irish Trump? Is the government, awash with cash, going to be a soft touch to further protests? A debate on the merits of bringing back social partnership, are we on the road to anarchy, and have we forgotten the crash? They discuss the controversy caused by Leo Varadkar's comments about the rural-urban divide and who really pays the bills. The highly paid Robert Watt, cause he's worth it? And how clever has Catherine Connolly's immigration legislation position been?Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Should we remove tolling booths from all tolled roads? My next guests things so and says it is "archaic" that trucks, buses, and cars are still being forced to stop, queue, and pay at toll booths. That's according to Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. The EU Transport Committee MEP said Ireland is behind its EU counterparts who have free-flow tolling systems and describes toll booths as outdated concepts that cause traffic delays, minor accidents, millions of euros in wasted diesel and millions of tonnes of carbon emissions.Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South and member of the European Transport Committee joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
Mobile phone operators in the UK have warned the government that they may be forced to ration phone signal and data speeds to combat higher energy prices caused by the conflict in Iran. Should we be worried? Shane Coleman was joined on the show by Elaine Burke, Host of the For Tech's Sake Podcast to discuss.
Ireland's new rail traffic management system is facing serious criticism, after costs rose from an expected €19.5 million to more than €31 million with no part of the system delivered yet. Concerns have been raised at the Dáil Public Accounts Committee, where the project has been described as a “slowly developing shambles.” Grace Boland, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal West joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
The redevelopment of St Stephens Green Shopping Centre has been approved by Dublin City Council. The plans will see the façade of the Dublin shopping centre removed as it currently is with its Mississippi Steamboat design in favour of a glass and red brick façade. But are we erasing an important part of the architecture of our capital city or just something that didn't look so great anyway? Shane Coleman was joined by Carole Pollard, Architect and Editor of the book Irish Cities in Crisis, and Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin's Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Becoming a father for the first time can be quite the daunting experience and while there is a lot of joy that comes with it, it also comes with a lot of change to your life too. So how can that change be best managed, and just how significant can it be?Shane Coleman was joined by our own correspondent dads: political correspondent Sean Defoe and courts correspondent Frank Greaney.
Oil markets are on edge as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz intensify, raising fears of a further supply shock that could ripple through the global economy. With a fragile ceasefire in place and Iran signalling its leverage over key shipping routes, how exposed are markets - and how might Washington respond? At home, Leo Varadkar has apologised after remarks about rural Ireland triggered a political backlash. Guest presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:Anthony Scaramucci, Financier and former White House Communications DirectorMichael Murphy TD, Fine GaelMichael Fitzmaurice TD, Independent IrelandDaniel Murray, Policy Editor, Business PostSadhbh O'Neill, Climate Journalist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Government drops plans to cap rental income on backyard modular homes — solution or risk of costly, low-quality builds?Plus: With a €9bn surplus and growth still forecast amid the “worst energy crisis in history”, should the State spend or hold firm?Guest presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: Seamus McGrath TD, Fianna Fáil Ged Nash TD, Labour Party spokesperson on Finance, Public Expenditure & Reform. Dr. Emma Howard, Economics Lecturer at TU Dublin. Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News, Irish Independent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fuel excise cut by 10c a litre overnight — but with oil prices volatile and global tensions rising, are these short-term supports worth it?Public anger grows over fuel protests. A resignation, backbench unrest and warnings the “social contract is strained to breaking point” — is pressure now mounting on the Government?Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by John Clendennen, Gary Gannon, Mary Regan and John Fitzgerald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A huge Dáil shock — Michael Healy-Rae resigns as Minister of State and votes no confidence in the Government following fuel protest chaos.Heated clashes erupt as pressure mounts. Has the Government lost the dressing room — and what are the lasting consequences?Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by Timmy Dooley, Claire Kerrane, Claire Scott and Fionnán Sheahan, with reporting from Gavan Reilly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fuel protests are intensifying across Ireland, with blockades entering a second day and pressure mounting on Government to intervene.Protesters insist they will not move without direct talks, as the Minister for Justice claimed that an “unelected group” is disrupting the country.Meanwhile, tensions ease slightly in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has pulled back, with Iran agreeing to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as a ceasefire begins. But uncertainty remains, with Israel saying it has halted attacks on Iran while continuing strikes in Lebanon.Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna FáilMairéad Farrell TD, Sinn FéinMick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish ExaminerJames Geoghegan, Agricultural contractorKevin McPartlan, CEO, Fuels for IrelandTara Kangarlou, Global Affairs Journalist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fuel protests have caused disruption across Ireland, with convoys from multiple counties slowing key routes into Dublin amid growing anger over rising costs.While major representative groups are not formally involved, the pressure from farmers, hauliers and contractors is clear - and questions are mounting over whether the government will be forced to act.Could fuel rationing become a reality - and if so, who gets priority?Meanwhile, attention shifts to the Middle East, where tensions are escalating.Iran is under pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a US-backed ceasefire deal.Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:Barry Ward TD, Fine Gael Peadar Toibín TD, Aontú Ciara O'Loughlin, Political Correspondent, The Irish Mirror John Dallon, Farmer and protestor Anthony Zurcher, BBC's North America correspondent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The anticipation is building as Ireland are set to play against Czechia this evening in Prague for the World Cup play-offs.Shane Coleman is in Prague, and joins Ciara to give a sense of the excitement on the ground. Also joining to look ahead to the game is former Ireland International Footballer, Ray Houghton…
Jamie O'Hara, Newstalk reporter travelling with An Taoiseach, joined Shane Coleman on the show with the latest on the St Patrick's Day events in the US.
Following last night's historic win for actress Jessie Buckley who became the Country's First Best Actress Oscar Winner for her performance in Hamnet, Ireland has joined in the Celebrations with President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheal Martin, both congratulating her on this achievement. Jessie's brother, Killian Buckley joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
European countries have resisted Trump's demand for help to clear the Strait of Hormuz. Shane Coleman was joined on the show by Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast.
Ireland have a 25% chance of drawing Israel in today's UEFA Nations League draw and the FAI have reiterated their plans to fulfil the two fixtures. Shane Coleman was joined by Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer of Bohemian's Football Club to discuss whether the men's national team should participate in the fixture if we draw Israel.
The “beep test”, a standard aerobic fitness measure used for prospective firefighters and Gardaí for the last 40 years, has been all over the news in the past few days.This is after Cork Fire Brigade was ordered to pay €8,000 in compensation to a part-time firefighter aged in her 40s, after a tribunal found the test discriminates against women and advantages younger candidates But how good a measure of your true fitness, is it?Shane travelled to Dublin City Centre, where I met with Personal Trainer John Belton to take the test and find out. To further discuss the ‘Beep Test' Shane was joined by Former Garda inspector in north central Dublin, Former Deputy-Secretary of the AGSI and current Risk, Security & Event Manager of Ashtree Risk Group, Tony Gallagher
Starting on Tuesday February 3rd, Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will bring you The Hard Shoulder, your essential drive-time companion. From politics to pop culture, and everything in between - they'll bring you the stories that really matter, with lively debate, sharp insight and excellent analysis. Listen to the Hard Shoulder podcast on the Go Loud app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Europe is facing into an “existential moment” in how it responds to US threats of further trade tariffs and demands to take over Greenland, according to Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris. He said in a meeting of Eurogroup ministers in Brussels yesterday. Jack Power, Irish Times Europe Correspondent, in Brussels, joined Shane Coleman on the show.
Canadian TV show “Heated Rivalry” has blown up online, both for its more explicit scenes, but also how it depicts the secret romance between two male hockey players on rival teams. But while the characters on the show are fictional, their story of sexuality and competitive sports is very much a reality for many people. Kevin Penrose, Irish travel content creator and Gaelic footballer, joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
Now, there are two massive stories coming out of the US today, the leaders of Greenland and Denmark are arriving in Washington for a meeting at the White House, and the long-awaited Supreme Court ruling on tariffs is expected to be announced today. Earlier, Shane Coleman caught up with Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News at WSHU Public Radio about all of this and began by asking what we can expect from the talks from Greenland and Denmark's high-stake talks in Washington…
Dublin City Council must adopt a “feminist town planning approach”, as a “gender-neutral approach to city development has consistently failed” the diverse needs of citizens. That is the proposal from Cat O'Driscoll, Social Democrat Councillor for Cabra-Glasnevin who joined Shane Coleman on the show this morning to discuss.
Mugshots of convicted criminals will be more routinely released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland under new guidance. Images of offenders who receive a jail sentence of 12 months or more will now be regularly considered for publication. Christy Galligan, Former Garda Sergeant and peace commissioner, joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
“Cyclists have become a nightmare in Dublin” That's according to civil court Judge James O'Donohoe. He made the comment as he reduced the damages for a cyclist who suffered a brain injury in a crash with a motorbike from 50,000 euros to 10,000 euros. Shane Coleman was joined by Gary Marshall, Public Relations Officer for the Dublin Commuter Coalition to discuss.
US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country that does business with Iran, ramping up pressure on the country. This comes as Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said it had confirmed 648 people have been killed during protests, including nine minors. Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University and Haleh Blake, British Iranian Activist both joined Shane Coleman on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Almost one in five workers in Ireland say they won't be able to afford retirement until age 70, while just four in ten expect to retire before the State Pension age of 66. That's according to new research from Royal London Ireland. Barra Roantree, Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College, joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
Good news on energy as consumers could be in line for a cut in prices this year. Dr Paul Deane, a lecturer on energy at University College Cork joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
More than half of parents struggle with the practicalities of the school run, with early afternoon collections forcing one in four to reduce their working hours. That's according to new research conducted by Sherpa Kids. Shane Coleman was joined by Bethan O'Riordan, a psychotherapist who specialises in parenting support to discuss.
If you were dreaming of a White Christmas this year, I'm sorry to say you'll be disappointed. For our festive forecast, Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly joined Shane Coleman on the show to see what the weather has in store.
88 per cent of people believe that there is a worrying amount of anxiety in society. That's according to a new report from St Patrick's Mental Health Services. So, why are we becoming increasingly anxious? Psychotherapist and Author Iseult White joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
At least 8,000 new documents related to the case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were made available yesterday on the US Department of Justice's website. This latest release includes many references to Donald Trump, including a claim by a senior US attorney that the US president was on a flight in the 1990s with the now-deceased convicted child sex offender and a 20-year-old woman. Larry Donnelly Law lecturer from University of Galway and Columnist with The Journal spoke to Shane Coleman on the show.
In the 2024 to 2025 academic year, over 73,000 students in primary and secondary schools were exempt from learning Irish, according to the Irish Times. But are students with dyslexia being ‘denied' the right to learn Gaeilge through this exemption? Rosie Bissett, CEO of Dyslexia Ireland joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland have demanded respect for their borders after US President Donald Trump appointed a special envoy to the Danish territory, which he has said repeatedly should be under US control. So, has Trump put himself on a collision course with the EU yet again? David Smith Washington Bureau Chief, The Guardian joined Shane Coleman on the show this morning.
“The best parts of Christmas in Ireland have nothing to do with alcohol - but we forget that.” That's according to Colleen Frawley, Irish-American writer and child health policy advocate. Shane Coleman caught up with Colleen and asked what her experience was of Christmas in Ireland...
Just 30 per cent of the Government's target for new social homes was met in the first nine months of this year. That's according to new figures from the Department of Housing. Eoin O'Broin TD and Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Housing joined Shane Coleman on the show.
The family of Sophie Toscan du Plantier will mark the 29th anniversary of her death with a private ceremony this Christmas as a garda cold-case review into the killing nears completion. Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent with The Irish Independent and author of a Dream of Death about the tragic case spoke to Shane Coleman on the show this morning.
There's no question about the kind of food you cook on Christmas Day – but what should you do with all the leftovers after you've cooked enough to last to New Year's Day? Shane Coleman was joined on the show by JP McMahon, the chef, restaurateur, and author from Galway, who brought us some tips, tricks, and trimmings.
John Whelan of the Sentencing and Victim Equality Group SAVE, has described how his family are being ‘retraumatized' at the biennial parole hearing of his sister's murderer. Sharon Whelan and her two daughters, Nadia and Zara, were murdered on Christmas Day 2008, and their murderer Brian Hennessy has applied for parole every two years since 2017. John Whelan joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
An extraordinary meeting of the board of the Dublin Airport Authority is to take place today to formally suspend its Chief Executive Kenny Jacobs with full pay, pending the outcome of an investigation. Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, joined Shane Coleman on the show.