Liveline

Kieran chats to listeners about Simon Harris' comments on Dole users at Fine Gael's Ard Fheis on Saturday night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kieran is joined by David who has been forced to live on buses overnight as he is currently homeless. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kieran is joined by Ciara Larkin who details her experience of the shooting in Krakow over the weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode examines the recent wave of coordinated bomb threats targeting airlines and media organizations in Ireland, analyzing them through the lens of hybrid warfare. Experts discuss how these incidents, including evacuations of newsrooms, may be part of a larger psychological operation intended to sow distrust in government institutions and undermine societal resilience. The discussion further explores the strategic implications for Ireland's national security, debating whether these threats are homegrown or state-sponsored. Panelists critique current gaps in Irish defense capacity and parliamentary oversight, emphasizing the need for increased situational awareness and a whole-of-society approach to countering modern hybrid threats.

Journalist Enda Brady joins Ciarán Cudahy on RTE Radio 1 to report on the verdict of the Russell Brand trial at Southwark Crown Court. Brand has been found guilty of four offences, including one rape and three sexual assaults, while being cleared of three other charges. The report details the specific nature of the convictions, including an incident dating back to 2009, and notes that Brand has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on Monday. The discussion explores Brand's significant fall from fame, transitioning from a high-profile comedian and multimillionaire to facing further allegations from two additional women. The segment examines the concept of 'hiding in plain sight,' noting how his public persona and past statements were used as evidence during the trial, and places his conviction alongside other notable UK figures convicted of similar offences.

In this episode of Liveline, host Ciarán discusses the ongoing debate surrounding assisted dying in Ireland with Gail O'Rourke. O'Rourke, who was involved in a high-profile legal case regarding an attempt to assist a friend in Switzerland, shares her evolving perspective on the subject. While she remains an advocate for the topic, she expresses significant distrust in the government's ability to implement necessary safeguards. The conversation explores the concept of the 'slippery slope,' with O'Rourke citing developments in Canada as a cautionary tale regarding the expansion of assisted dying criteria. The discussion also touches upon broader themes of political trust, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public perception, and the feeling among some citizens that the Irish government is disconnected from the needs and opinions of the people.

This episode explores recent bomb threats targeting European airports and airlines, featuring updates from DAA and Air Aran regarding security protocols and the prioritization of passenger safety. The discussion covers the impact of email hoaxes and flight diversions on the traveling public. The conversation also addresses Ireland's defense vulnerabilities, specifically its lack of independent air defense capabilities and reliance on NATO for airspace protection. The episode concludes with personal accounts of aviation security incidents, including a live report of a flight diverted to a French Air Force base due to a bomb threat.

This episode explores the multifaceted aftermath of the US midterm elections, featuring a wide range of perspectives on Donald Trump's political impact and the broader economic consequences for citizens. Callers discuss how rising costs of living and inflation are felt locally, while debating the influence of conservative values, immigration policies, and the MAGA movement. The conversation also delves into intense debates regarding social issues, including gender identity, Christian values, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Through interviews and heated caller discussions, the episode examines the shifting political landscape in America and its perceived influence on international relations and local communities.

In this episode of Liveline, Megan shares her traumatic experience of receiving a WhatsApp message informing her that her mother had passed away via assisted dying at the Pegasus organization in Switzerland. She discusses the lack of transparency from the organization and the difficulties she faced regarding her mother's ashes. The discussion expands into a heated debate on the ethics of assisted dying legislation in Ireland. Callers present opposing views, weighing personal autonomy and the right to avoid intolerable suffering against concerns regarding the 'slippery slope,' the sanctity of life, and the importance of preserving remaining time for meaningful experiences.

The episode begins with an invitation for listeners to share their views and experiences regarding the ongoing discussion on assisted dying via email. The program then shifts focus to a heartwarming international story involving the Rugby League Wheelchair World Cup in Australia. After a specialized wheelchair for Irish player Oran broke, a call for help on Irish radio led to Deirdre transporting a replacement chair from Ireland to Sydney. The segment features an interview with Oran's mother, Susan, discussing the impact of this gesture on the team's success and their progression to the semi-finals.

This episode explores the complex ethical and spiritual debates surrounding infant baptism, sparked by comments from former President Mary McAleese regarding human rights and consent. Through various callers and guests, the discussion examines the tension between religious tradition and individual autonomy, including personal accounts of leaving the Catholic Church due to institutional accountability and patriarchal structures. The conversation also delves into deeper theological perspectives on spiritual warfare, the nature of good and evil, and the transition from faith to atheism driven by logic and science. Guests such as Father Joe MacDonald and Patrick Power share insights on how evil manifests in daily life and the perceived necessity of baptism as a form of spiritual protection.

On an episode of Live Line with Ciarán Cudahy, a caller named Victoria shares her experience of a home invasion and car theft that occurred in her quiet neighborhood. A group of teenagers used a crowbar to force entry into her home at 2am, stealing car keys and causing significant distress to her family. While the thieves managed to steal her vehicle, Victoria was able to track it using a phone app an hour later. The discussion covers the brazen nature of the crime, the physical damage done to the vehicle, and the lasting psychological impact on the residents. The episode concludes with a discussion on increased security measures, such as changing locks and installing new alarms, and a warning to listeners about the risks of leaving house keys near front doors.

Pat Doyle, owner of the family-run pizzeria Pizza This in Rathnew, County Wicklow, discusses a recent burglary at his business. A group of teenagers ransacked the shop, stealing cash and an old phone, and notably returning to take two carving knives. The episode covers the details of the break-in, the failure of mobile security notifications due to a new phone, and the brazen nature of the perpetrators who used balaclavas and gloves to avoid identification. Despite the violation, Doyle highlights the resilience of his staff and the immense support received from the local community to get the business back up and running.

In this episode, host Ciarán interviews Laura Kelly, who shares her personal journey living with Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN), a genetic condition involving birthmarks that cover 98% of her body. Laura discusses the challenges of growing up in a small town in Derry, the transition to self-consciousness during her teenage years, and the intensive daily skincare routine required to manage her skin's tendency to flake and itch. The conversation covers the emotional complexities of navigating public spaces, the importance of her support system, and her recent decision to use social media and her involvement with the charity Caring Matters Now to raise awareness. Laura also touches upon her upcoming wedding and the relief she felt when her son was born without the condition.

A chilling account of a homeowner discovering that a stranger had been stalking their property and attempting to steal their car for several days. The speaker describes the unsettling experience of seeing a figure through a kitchen window at midnight, only to later realize via security footage that the individual had been monitoring their daily routines and patterns of behavior for an entire week. The episode details the perpetrator's sophisticated attempts to use a device to replicate key fob signals and his ability to navigate around motion sensor lights. The conversation covers the psychological aftermath of the incident, including increased paranoia, the decision to install monitored CCTV, and the realization that even standard security measures may not deter a determined intruder.

An urgent appeal is issued on LiveLine to transport a custom-built wheelchair from County Kildare to Australia for Oren, an Irish wheelchair rugby league player. After discussing the logistics and difficulties of getting the chair to Sydney in time for his upcoming match against Wales, a listener named Deirdre offers to carry the chair as part of her own travel. The episode features a live interview with Oren, who explains how his chair snapped during training in Australia, threatening his participation in the World Cup. The host reveals that Deirdre has volunteered to fly from Dublin to Sydney to deliver the spare chair, and Oren expresses his joy regarding the significance of the upcoming game for Irish disability sports.

Listeners call into Live Line to debate the controversy surrounding Fine Gael leader Simon Harris's decision to take two weeks of paternity leave. The discussion explores whether a high-ranking minister should remain available for media inquiries and ministerial duties while on leave, or if his right to prioritize family time and parental responsibilities should take precedence. The debate extends beyond political accountability to broader societal themes, including the importance of paternal involvement in newborn bonding, the impact of parental leave on modern family dynamics, and the necessity of political representation that reflects the lived experiences of young parents.

Councillor Dermot Lacey discusses his personal experience with physical assault and his dissatisfaction with the judicial response to anti-social behaviour. He argues that the court system fails to impose sufficient or proportionate penalties, suggesting reforms such as percentage-based fines and better use of community service. Lacey further advocates for criminal justice reform, specifically calling for a judiciary that better reflects different social classes. The episode also features a caller named Tom, who shares an example of effective financial penalties, and concludes with a discussion on adopting proportionate fine models similar to those in Nordic countries.

Mark Duffy recounts his surreal experience meeting Michael Jackson twenty years ago at the Bastion Gallery in Athlone, describing the atmosphere of the visit and the interaction with the pop star and his children. The episode also features other accounts of Jackson's presence in Ireland, including interactions with shop owners. The discussion explores the complexity of separating an artist's musical legacy from their controversial personal allegations, reflecting on the divide between a public persona and private reality.

This episode begins with a discussion regarding an upcoming Michael Jackson exhibition in Kildare and a critique of his musical legacy. The conversation then shifts to an interview with Angela Peroni, a former resident of the Odyssey cruise ship. Peroni describes the financial mismanagement and abandonment of residents currently stranded in Cambodia. She details the instability of life on the ship, the visible decline in services, and her personal journey of finding love and getting married amidst the uncertainty of the ship's future.

Ciarán Cudahy interviews Bart, a man who fell victim to a romance scam involving a woman from Ghana. Bart describes how he was manipulated through loneliness and sympathy into sending money for fake investments and family emergencies, eventually realizing the deception upon arriving in Ghana. Bart discusses the emotional and financial devastation caused by the long-term scam, which left him in significant debt. He shares his experience of withdrawing from dating and online activities to avoid further vulnerability and potential fraud.

In this episode of Live Line, host Kieran Coddighy interviews Joshua Brennan and his brother Ewan regarding the life-altering consequences of a firework accident that occurred ten years ago. Joshua shares his experience of losing sight in his right eye due to a malfunctioning rocket that unexpectedly detonated, leading to permanent retinal damage. The conversation details the immediate trauma of the event, the medical procedures involved, and the long-term physical and psychological impacts on both brothers. The discussion covers the challenges of living with impaired depth perception, the social difficulties arising from visible physical changes, and the lasting fear of fireworks that affects their entire family. Through their personal accounts, the guests offer a cautionary message about the volatility of fireworks and the importance of safety to prevent similar tragedies.

A resident of a settled Dublin neighborhood, Michael, calls into Liveline to report a recent incident involving abandoned vehicles and property damage in his housing estate. He describes witnessing cars being driven at high speeds with doors swinging open, resulting in damage to his car and a neighbor's vehicle. The caller highlights a pattern of ongoing joyriding, theft, and anti-social behavior that has escalated over the last several months. The conversation explores the broader social implications of these incidents, including the fear felt by elderly residents and young families, the perceived lack of intervention from authorities like the Gardaí and Tusla, and the impact of social media in fueling such behavior. Michael expresses a sense of powerlessness within the community and discusses his efforts to contact local TDs and councillors to demand a more holistic approach to addressing these systemic issues.

The host and historian Catherine Corliss discuss the controversy surrounding the film 'The Lost Children of Toome,' addressing criticisms regarding the portrayal of the Bon Secours sisters and clarifying the nature of burial practices in sewage systems. The episode explores the responsibilities of state and local authorities in historical institutional neglect. A heated debate follows between host Ciarán, Senator Ronan Mullen, and Father Mullane regarding the media's portrayal of Mother and Baby Homes. While some argue against the 'collective demonization' of religious orders and sensationalist reporting, others present evidence of systemic neglect and financial exploitation. The episode concludes with perspectives from film director Frank Berry and emotional testimony from an adoptee regarding the lasting impact of these historical events.

In this episode of Live Line, a caller named Eimear shares her personal journey of navigating the decision of her daughter and son-in-law to remain childfree. Reflecting on a conversation from sixteen years ago, Eimear discusses the initial feelings of loss and disappointment she experienced when faced with the reality that she would never have grandchildren. She details the long process of moving from resentment and questioning her parenting to reaching a place of acceptance and respect for her children's autonomy. The discussion also touches upon broader societal shifts regarding fertility, the cost of living, and the importance of prioritizing child safety and consent over personal emotional desires. Eimear offers perspective on how to maintain healthy family relationships in a changing world, emphasizing that parents must adapt their attitudes to respect the agency of the next generation.

This episode explores the intense national debate surrounding a controversial 'We Consent' advertisement featuring grandparents. The discussion delves into conflicting perspectives on whether the ad promotes essential bodily autonomy for children or unfairly portrays grandparents as predatory, potentially undermining familial affection. Panelists and callers further examine the broader implications of teaching consent, touching upon its relevance to the neurodivergent community and the importance of respecting personal boundaries. The conversation also reflects on the social pressures of forced affection and the impact of modern anxieties on traditional family dynamics.

Anne shares her experience of being the victim of a romance scam twenty years ago. She describes how she was groomed through a dating website and manipulated into sending 11,000 euro via Western Union under various false pretenses. Beyond the financial loss, Anne discusses the deep shame and loss of trust that followed the incident in 2005. She shares her decision to finally come forward with her story to help others realize they are not to blame for such manipulation.

Tanya McCarthy shares the story of how her 27-year-old son lost nearly €10,000 to a sophisticated banking scam involving spoofed phone numbers and convincing fraudulent communications. The host explores the psychological tactics used by scammers, who often present themselves as saviors to exploit vulnerability and urgency. The episode also features Philip, who shares his experience of losing over €20,000 after providing an authentication code to a scammer posing as a bank official.

Anthony, calling from a hospital waiting room, describes being brutally attacked by two young men in Dublin's Thomas Street area while waiting for a bus. He details the physical injuries to his jaw, the theft of his phone, and the lasting fear the incident has caused him regarding his safety in his own community. The episode also features a discussion regarding rising safety concerns and crime in Dublin city centre with caller Dennis McGrath. The conversation covers the perceived lack of Garda presence and CCTV coverage, with callers comparing the current state of security to previous decades and other countries.

This episode explores the devastating impact of sophisticated Revolut scams, featuring personal accounts of victims who lost significant sums, including life savings and house deposits. Juliette Byrne shares her sister's experience of losing up to 40,000 euros through a screen-sharing scam that left her with no recourse from her bank. The discussion also features caller Agnes, who was targeted via FaceTime, and highlights the psychological tactics used by fraudsters, such as impersonating customer service and creating urgency. The hosts provide essential advice on identifying fraudulent calls and emphasize that legitimate banks will never contact you to report problems.

This episode begins with a warning regarding a significant Revolut scam in Ireland before transitioning into an interview with Shauna Rice. Shauna shares her harrowing experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer while seven months pregnant, following a failure by St. James's Hospital to communicate a suspicious finding from a previous MRI. Shauna reflects on the profound personal transformation and shift in perspective following her diagnosis and treatment. She discusses the immense challenges of navigating motherhood and intensive medical procedures while relying on a vital support system.

This episode features harrowing accounts of anti-social behavior and the escalating dangers of fireworks. A caller, Anna, describes a two-year period of intimidation, racial abuse, and violence against her family, expressing deep frustration with the lack of police intervention despite CCTV evidence. Other callers share experiences ranging from confrontations with youths in the Dublin mountains to the devastating physical consequences of firework attacks, including a young girl who lost 90% of her vision. The discussion also addresses the increasing availability and lethality of modern fireworks and the ease with which they are transported across borders.

Shane Sinan and Chloe provide firsthand accounts of recent protests in France, describing a largely peaceful demonstration characterized by young participants and musicians. They detail the escalation of tensions caused by police interventions, including the use of tear gas and the arrest of minors, while noting that primary motivations were concerns over school resources and police repression. The episode features a debate between Chloe and Martin regarding the nature of violence during the demonstrations. While Chloe argues that violence was perpetrated by a small minority as a reaction to police tactics, Martin contends that protesters bear responsibility for the unrest and should have prevented it.

In this episode of Lifeline, host Ciarán attempts to solve a unique logistical challenge for John Brennan, who has an animatronic T-Rex stuck in London. The half-tonne, four-metre-long dinosaur was donated by a Chinese company following an exhibition at the Excel centre and needs transport back to Ireland for use in charity events. The program features expert insights from Dave McGowan regarding the transportation of oversized items, such as planes and train carriages, and concludes with a successful connection to Simon Reid of Reid Transport. The episode also touches upon recent developments regarding local funding challenges for large-scale projects and the opening of a new crematorium in Sligo.

In this episode of Liveline, a caller named Sean shares his harrowing experience with drug debt and violent intimidation following his son's involvement in drugs, describing the escalation from small payments to significant financial extortion and physical threats. The discussion expands to include perspectives from addiction recovery experts and government officials regarding the need for community support and systemic change to combat organized crime. The episode features a heated debate regarding the impact of drug-related crime and the radical proposal to legalize drugs to eliminate the violence associated with illegal debt collection. The conversation also highlights the experiences of activists like Vivian, who faced extreme intimidation, and Sharon, who shares the personal devastation of losing family members to addiction.

This episode explores the devastating impact of drug-related crime, grooming, and intimidation on families. Through personal accounts from mothers like Sinead and Sarah, the discussion highlights the cycle of criminality, the psychological toll of drug debt, and the extreme measures parents feel forced to take to ensure their children's survival. The conversation further examines the systemic failures in state intervention, the lack of accountability for business owners facilitating drug deals, and the complex intersection of addiction and organized crime. Speakers emphasize that no community is immune to these networks, noting how poverty and a lack of opportunity contribute to an escalating crisis of violence and intimidation.

This episode of Live Line features a debate over ongoing strikes by nurses and teachers. Callers discuss the impact of inflation on wages and poor working conditions for nurses, while others express skepticism regarding teacher pay and criticize the motivations of civil service unions. The discussion further explores the complexities of public sector pay negotiations, contrasting teacher salaries with nursing workloads. Speakers critique trade unions for seeking pay parity during economic booms and call for greater government accountability and productivity within the civil service.

Ciarán Cudahy and criminologist Robert Cullen discuss the cycle of drug-related debt, intimidation, and violence, exploring the 'credible messenger' model as a way to mediate community conflicts. The conversation examines the social implications of current drug laws, the complexities of addiction, and the biological drives behind substance use. The episode features a heated debate regarding drug policy, crime prevention, and the effectiveness of the prison system. While Robert argues that prohibition fuels violence and that prison is criminogenic, Chris advocates for more robust policing and harsher penalties to deter criminal activity.

A harrowing personal account of a mother's experience with drug-related intimidation and the devastating impact of her son's cocaine addiction. The speaker describes being targeted by dealers at her home, facing escalating debt collection demands that totaled approximately £10,000, and experiencing property damage including smashed windows. The conversation explores the psychological toll of living in a constant state of fear and paranoia, the connection between recreational drug use and organized crime violence, and the urgent need for better education and targeted resources to combat drug-related intimidation.

This episode features a series of heated debates regarding upcoming public sector strike action in Ireland, focusing on the demands of teachers and nurses. Callers present conflicting views, weighing the necessity of pay increases due to inflation and the cost of living against concerns over job privilege and the economic disruption caused by industrial action. The conversation also covers critical issues in healthcare, including breast cancer screening density and personal accounts of hospital understaffing. Additionally, the discussion touches upon the impact of inflation on real wages and the emigration of essential workers driven by economic pressures.

This episode explores the urgent campaign for standardized breast density notification in Ireland. Through personal testimonies and interviews with activists, the program highlights how the failure to report dense breast tissue on mammogram results can mask tumors and increase the risk of developing cancer. The discussion focuses on a recent meeting at Leinster House where advocates met with politicians to demand that the Minister for Health mandate the inclusion of density information in all BreastCheck results. The conversation details the medical implications of dense breast tissue, including its role in obscuring invasive lobular and ductal cancers. It also addresses the systemic delays in healthcare reviews, noting that official reports regarding this issue may not be finalized until 2027 or later, leaving many women without vital information for their long-term health decisions.

This episode features a debate between former teacher Pat and SIPTU education organiser Cathy Shields regarding upcoming teacher strikes and the broader public sector pay dispute. The discussion explores whether strike action is an unfair way to pressure parents or a democratically mandated response to the cost of living crisis. The conversation further examines the responsibility for industrial action, weighing the importance of prioritized negotiations against the government's failure to initiate talks before contract expirations. The debate also includes perspectives on the government's financial capacity to fund better pay deals and the potential social consequences of prolonged industrial action.

This episode covers the sentencing of Olympic swimming coach George Gibney to 15 and a half years in prison for serial sexual abuse. Through interviews with journalist Justine McCarthy and survivors Chalky White and Trish Carney, the episode explores the emotional impact of the verdict and the long struggle for justice. The discussion further examines the long-term impact of Gibney's crimes, the legal battles faced by whistleblowers like Gary O'Toole, and the historical failures of the state to prosecute him. Finally, Justine McCarthy reflects on the systemic culture of silence in Ireland and the US that allowed such abuse to go unprosecuted, emphasizing the ongoing need for accountability within judicial and sporting institutions.

This episode covers a recent incident of extreme animal cruelty in Cork, where Tracey's Persian cat, Felix, was kidnapped by individuals on an e-bike and later found dead from severe injuries. Guests and listeners discuss the psychological implications of such violence, the difficulty of accessing CCTV footage due to privacy laws, and the urgent need for legal reforms regarding animal cruelty prosecution. The conversation also explores the profound grief experienced by pet owners, featuring calls from listeners expressing outrage and support. Additionally, the episode touches on the availability of pet loss bereavement services through the Irish Blue Cross to assist those struggling with the death of a companion animal.

Reporting from Kazakhstan, this episode covers the Republic of Ireland women's football team's dominant 8-0 victory over Kazakhstan. The discussion details the match performance, including possession statistics and the difficulty of the upcoming playoff draw against either Belgium or Poland. The segment also touches upon the logistics of following international football across Europe and the broader implications for World Cup qualification and a potential trip to Brazil.

This episode features a debate regarding the proposal by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth to live-stream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter, making it the first public execution in the United States since 1936. The discussion brings together multiple perspectives on the efficacy and morality of capital punishment. Panelists debate whether such a spectacle serves as a deterrent to future crimes or if it merely promotes revenge and dehumanization. Arguments range from the potential for executing innocent individuals due to judicial error to the personal emotional responses of victims' families. The conversation also touches upon the psychological impact of witnessing state-sanctioned killing via digital media.

A heartwarming segment featuring the famous quadruplets from Ballin, County Carlow, who have all successfully passed their driving tests on their first attempt. The episode includes an interview with driving instructor Michael Canavan and one of the siblings, Lily, discussing the shared milestones of the siblings' lives, from starting school to voting. The conversation also features the siblings' mother, Mary, reflecting on the logistics of raising four children simultaneously and the family's transition as the siblings enter adulthood and various career paths.

Nuala Ward and Joni Crone reflect on the history and impact of the Galway Lesbian and Gay Healthline, discussing the challenges of providing support during an era of intense social isolation and a lack of visible LGBTQ+ identity in Ireland. The episode explores the early days of the Lesbian Line, highlighting the difficulties of operating from makeshift locations and navigating a highly religious society. The discussion also covers the experiences of volunteers on the Dublin Lesbian Line, including the emotional weight of handling traumatic silent calls and the sense of community found in the service. Through personal stories, the speakers recount the personal courage required to live authentically amidst public prejudice and the profound impact of finding identity through advocacy and support services.

In this episode of Live Line with Ciarán Cudahy, Lorna Quirk discusses an upcoming protest at Leinster House aimed at the Minister for Health. The campaign calls for the introduction of standardized breast density notification within BreastCheck results for all women in Ireland. The discussion explores the medical implications of dense breast tissue, which can make cancer harder to detect on mammograms, and compares the current Irish system to practices in Australia and parts of the United States. Quirk shares her personal experience with a stage three breast cancer diagnosis to highlight how access to density information could enable women to advocate for supplemental screening. The conversation also addresses the potential economic benefits of earlier detection for the HSE and families, arguing that providing this information is a vital component of modern breast health.

In this episode of Live Line, a mother shares the intense daily challenges of caring for her four-year-old son, Jack, who has a rare and severe condition. She discusses the lack of accessible parking, the inadequacy of government support, and the exhausting 24/7 medical routine required to keep him safe. Radio hosts and several carers, including Maria and Aisling, discuss the extreme hardships of caring for children with high needs. The conversation covers the impact of sleep deprivation, the financial strain of home adaptations, and a shared frustration with recent government budgets that fail to recognize the reality of caregiving.