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

In this episode, Meet The Candidates, with the general election just two days away, we invited a diverse group of candidates to share their visions and make their case for your vote. From Independents to party leaders, hear from those seeking to represent constituencies across Ireland.1. Linda De Courcy Independent Ireland2. Peadar Tóibín Td Leader Of Aontú3. Peter Dooley Independent Dublin Bay South4. Mattie Mcgrath Td Independent Tipperary5. Cllr Malachy Steenson Independent Dublin Central6. Cllr Gavin Pepper Independent Dublin North West7. Hermann Kelly Leader Irish Freedom Party8. Aisling Considine Aontú Dublin South Central9. Dr. Gerry Waters Irish Freedom Party Kildare North10. Ryan Mckeown Independent Ireland LouthJoin us as we discuss their platforms, priorities, and why they believe they deserve your support.

In this episode, Niall dives into the public reaction to Conor McGregor’s latest legal troubles. A High Court jury recently awarded €248,603 in damages to a woman who claimed she was assaulted by McGregor in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor denied the allegations, asserting that their encounter was consensual, but the case has sparked intense debate about his behavior and reputation.Some callers defend McGregor, arguing that he’s been under constant public scrutiny, with people waiting for him to slip up. They feel the level of criticism he faces is disproportionate and that he doesn’t deserve this extent of public shaming, especially since the courts didn’t find him guilty of everything alleged.Other callers strongly criticize McGregor, saying his behavior has been out of control for years and that this case is a reflection of how far he has fallen. They believe he’s no longer the role model Ireland once admired and see this verdict as a wake-up call for him to face accountability for his actions.Niall wraps up by reflecting on McGregor’s polarizing legacy, highlighting the tension between his fame and fortune and the growing concerns about his public conduct.

On today’s show, Niall spoke with several candidates running in the upcoming election.According to The Irish Times, support for Fine Gael has plummeted just days before the general election. The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll reveals that Fine Gael’s share of the vote has dropped by six points in less than two weeks, following a campaign marked by missteps. The party now trails both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin.As the final days of the campaign unfold, and with tomorrow night’s three-way televised leaders' debate, the three largest parties are neck-and-neck, separated by just two percentage points. Based on the latest figures—excluding undecided voters—Fianna Fáil stands at 21% (up two points), Sinn Féin at 20% (up one), and Fine Gael at 19% (down six).Among smaller parties, the Green Party has reached 4% (up one), Labour is at 4% (down one), the Social Democrats at 6% (up two), People Before Profit at 3% (up one), and Aontú remains steady at 3%. Independents, including Independent Ireland, are at 17% (down three points). Notably, undecided voters have risen to 19% (up three points).The top issues influencing voters include the cost of living (31%), housing prices (18%), and health (16%). Other key concerns include the economy (7%), immigration (7%), renting costs (6%), climate (5%), law and order (5%), and taxation (3%).We also want to give voice to independent and smaller party candidates, who often don’t receive adequate coverage in mainstream media. If you’re running for election or supporting a candidate, let us know! We’ll do our best to feature you today or Wednesday. This invitation extends to candidates from all parties, including the main ones.With the election set for Friday, here’s the big question: Do you believe there’s potential for real change, or are we looking at another five years of the status quo?

In this episode, Niall tackles a divisive question: was a woman right to involve the Garda after noticing an elderly man sitting in a park and watching children? The debate stems from a listener’s email, sharing his conflicted feelings about his wife's decision and the assumptions behind it.The email describes how the woman, feeling uneasy about the man’s presence, reported him to the authorities out of concern for the children’s safety. Her husband, however, wonders if the man was simply a lonely individual seeking company rather than a cause for alarm.As the conversation unfolds, callers offer contrasting views on the situation. Some defend the woman’s actions, arguing that safeguarding children should always take precedence. Others question whether the response was fair, cautioning against rushing to judgment and the harm it can cause to innocent people.Through a series of heartfelt opinions, the episode examines the fine line between vigilance and unwarranted suspicion, leaving listeners with much to consider about responsibility, perception, and fairness in public spaces.