Audio Podcasts

Niall talks to callers about the growing controversy over Government plans to reduce payments to people providing accommodation to Ukrainians in Ireland. The Accommodation Recognition Payment currently gives hosts €600 per month for housing Ukrainian refugees. However, the Government plans to reduce that payment to €400 from September, before ending the scheme entirely in March 2027.

Niall speaks to Ben Scallan from Gript Media about the serious questions surrounding Ireland’s citizenship and naturalisation process following the conviction of Riad Bouchaker for the attempted murder of three young children during the horrific knife attack at Parnell Square in Dublin in November 2023.

In this episode, Niall speaks to callers about an email from a furious female listener whose husband wants to go on a week long lads’ holiday to Spain without her or their children. The husband plans to travel with a group of men from his local pub, many of whom are younger, single and unmarried. His wife insists that she trusts him, but says she does not trust the situation after days of drinking, pressure from single friends and attention from other women.

In this episode, Niall is joined by barrister and political commentator Laura Perrins to discuss two stories dominating conversation in Britain and Ireland . First, they examine the shocking murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe and the serious questions surrounding the investigation. After an initial arrest reportedly resulted in a man being released without charge, counterterrorism police later took control of the case when new evidence emerged. Niall and Laura discuss whether crucial opportunities were missed, why the investigation appeared to change direction so dramatically, and whether the authorities were too slow to recognise that this may have been a targeted political attack.

The number of sexual offence cases entering Ireland’s courts has risen significantly over the past two years, reigniting the debate about whether people accused of these crimes should remain anonymous until they are convicted.

Ireland is officially in the middle of a housing emergency, with thousands of people struggling to buy or rent a home. Yet another proposed apartment development has been stopped over concerns about its impact on people already living nearby.

Niall speaks to Aontú Senator Sarah O’Reilly about her campaign against businesses, sporting venues and State services refusing to accept cash. Senator O’Reilly has strongly criticised the National Driver Licence Service, which does not accept cash, cheques or postal orders at its centres. Customers must instead pay using a debit or credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or a Payzone voucher. She argues that it is astonishing for an essential public service operating on behalf of the State to continue refusing direct cash payments.

Niall speaks to callers after a listener contacted the show to say he and his wife were disgusted by what they witnessed during a visit to a large local bar. The couple had gone out for dinner, but the beer garden was packed with families and young children. According to the listener, many of the children appeared bored, were running around unsupervised and were completely out of control, while heavily intoxicated adults shouted, swore and held conversations that were clearly unsuitable for children.

Niall speaks to callers and former RTÉ correspondent, now Independent Ireland MEP Ciarán Mullooly, about the national broadcaster’s demand for another guaranteed, multi annual Government funding package when its current arrangement ends in 2027.