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

In today’s episode, Niall kicks off by talking about a tweet he recently put out stirring up debate on public-sector work and accountability:“Reform UK say they want to encourage public-sector workers to report colleagues who aren’t ‘doing useful work’ or who aren’t productive.Many people believe civil servants and public-sector workers have it easier and with strong job security and little risk of being fired, compared to the private sector.So what do you think?Would you report a lazy colleague to the boss?And who really has it easier, the public sector or the private sector?👉 Comments to WhatsApp 085 100 22 55”Niall explores all sides of the argument, especially from an Irish perspective:📌 What the tweet means — Why Reform UK’s suggestion has resonated and why it’s controversial, even outside the UK.🇮🇪 Public-sector facts in Ireland — Ireland has around 408,000 people working in the public service, spanning health, education, civil service, justice, local authorities, and other agencies. Wikipedia💼 Job security vs accountability — Supporters of public-sector employment point out strong job protections and pensions, often arguing they help retain experienced staff. Critics say this can reduce incentives for performance.📊 Public vs private sector workloads — Some argue public-sector roles are less pressured and secure, while others highlight that frontline public services (e.g., healthcare, education) are demanding and essential.🤝 Work culture and reporting — Would you ever report a colleague for not pulling their weight, whether in a government department or a private company? What are the pros and cons of encouraging such reporting culture?🧑‍💼 Economic context — With total employment in Ireland at nearly 2.8 million people, the public service represents a significant but not dominant share of the workforce.

In this episode, host Niall speaks with TD Paul Lawless about the rejection of the abortion bill and the key arguments that led to its defeat in the Dáil. Paul shares his perspective on the vote, the concerns raised by TDs, and what the outcome means for future legislation.The conversation then turns to the controversial fox hunting bill, which would prevent farmers from shooting foxes on their own land. Paul outlines the reasoning behind the proposed legislation and responds to criticism from rural communities who say foxes are devastating lambs and livelihoods.Niall also opens the lines to callers, asking a tough question: Should fox hunting be banned, even when farmers say they are being scourged by fox attacks on their livestock? A lively and wide-ranging discussion follows, highlighting the clash between animal welfare, rural realities, and political decision-making.

This episode kicks off with an email that struck a nerve — and judging by the phones, a lot of listeners had opinions.Niall reads out a message from a wife who’s furious after her husband only mentioned his work Christmas party days before it happens — no partners invited, free bar involved, and all the usual “sure nothing ever happens” reassurances that nobody fully believes.Is she being controlling… or just realistic?Niall opens the lines to callers, starting with AJ, who says she’s 100% on the woman’s side. According to AJ, you can’t trust men once drink, hormones and other women are thrown into the mix — and pretending otherwise is just naïve. From there, the debate explodes.Are work Christmas parties harmless fun?Or are they a well-known danger zone everyone jokes about — but never admits to?Is asking your partner not to go a fair boundary… or a massive red flag?And should anyone be expected to stay home while their other half hits a free bar with colleagues?Expect strong opinions, uncomfortable truths, plenty of laughs — and more than a few people feeling seen.👉 Where do you stand?WhatsApp your thoughts to 085 100 22 55

In this episode, Niall is joined by journalist Larissa Nolan to tackle a question that’s sparking heated debate around the world: Is college becoming pointless in the age of AI?The conversation is fuelled by controversial comments from Elon Musk, who claims universities are “for fun and proving you can do your chores — not for learning.” Musk argues that with a smartphone, internet access and AI, you can learn anything you need for free.So is he right?Niall puts the big questions to Larissa:Will technology and AI eventually replace college education?Does AI now know more than the average lecturer?Is university still worth the time and money for most careers?And for many students, has college simply become a four-year drinking session?As AI reshapes how we learn and work, the traditional university model is under the microscope. Is it evolving — or heading for extinction?👉 What do you think?Comments to WhatsApp 085 100 22 55

In this episode, host Niall is joined by Laoise Da Brun, Barrister-at-Law, and Karl Deeter, political commentator, to tackle a contentious legal and moral question: Should criminal convictions committed as a minor be wiped clean once a person reaches adulthood?The UK is now considering following Ireland’s approach, where most criminal offences committed under the age of 18 become spent after three years — provided there are no further convictions. In practical terms, this means those offences no longer appear on a person’s criminal record once they reach adulthood, allowing them to move on without the shadow of past mistakes.Supporters of the system argue that it reflects a realistic understanding of youth behaviour and brain development. Teenagers, they say, are more impulsive, more susceptible to peer pressure, and still forming their moral judgement. Giving young people a clean slate can improve access to education, employment and housing, reducing the likelihood of reoffending and helping them become productive members of society. From this perspective, lifelong punishment for adolescent mistakes may do more harm than good.But critics raise serious concerns. What about individuals who commit repeated or serious offences at 16 or 17? Should a long pattern of criminal behaviour simply disappear on paper at 18? There are fears that such policies may weaken accountability, undermine public confidence in the justice system, and send the wrong message — that youthful crimes carry no lasting consequences. Victims’ rights and public safety also feature prominently in the debate.Together, Niall, Laoise and Karl explore the legal framework, ethical tensions and real-world consequences of expunging juvenile convictions. Is this policy a compassionate, evidence-based approach to justice — or an overly lenient system that risks encouraging bad behaviour? And if the UK adopts Ireland’s model, where should the line be drawn?A thoughtful and robust discussion on fairness, responsibility and whether society should believe in second chances — or lasting consequences.