In this episode, Niall asks: Do you feel safe walking Ireland’s streets?Official figures suggest that overall crime rates in Ireland have gone down in recent years. Yet many people say they feel less safe than ever, especially with videos of random assaults and antisocial behaviour spreading quickly on social media. Are we really more at risk — or are we just seeing more of it online?Some callers said they no longer feel safe, blaming groups of teenagers hanging around, filming attacks for views, and knowing there are few real consequences. Others pointed to immigration and claimed certain areas feel more intimidating than they did before.Some still believe Ireland is safe compared to other places, arguing that fear is often amplified by viral clips that do not reflect most people’s daily reality. They said using common sense still keeps you safe.Others said the real problem is trust in the system. They argued that soft sentences and a lack of Garda presence make people feel abandoned and fearful, no matter what the statistics say.As Niall points out, this is not just about numbers. It is about whether ordinary people trust that they and their families are safe in the streets where they live.
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54:30
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54:30
#427 Should You Contest an Unfair Will?
In this episode, Niall asks: Should you contest an unfair will, even if it risks tearing the family apart?A listener got in touch after learning she was left a much smaller share than her siblings in her father’s will. Now she wants to know if she should fight for what she feels is fair or stay silent to keep the peace.Some callers said she should absolutely contest it if there is no good reason for the unequal share. They argued that standing up for yourself is not about greed but about protecting your rights and not letting resentment fester for years.Others warned that challenging a will can ruin relationships forever. They said money is not worth losing family over and that fighting it could create bitterness that never heals.Some callers felt that right or wrong, a will should be respected as the person’s final decision. They said family is more important than any inheritance and sometimes it is better to let it go.As Niall points out, this is not just about money. It is about family ties, respect for a loved one’s last wishes, and deciding when to let things lie or when to stand your ground.
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53:20
#424 Should Ireland Lower the Age of Consent to 16?
In this episode, Niall asks: Should Ireland lower the age of consent to 16?There have already been suggestions about reducing the voting age, with arguments that young people today are mature enough to decide at 16. On the same basis, some believe the age of consent should match the EU average and be lowered from 17 to 16. Would this protect teenagers better or put them at greater risk?Some callers supported lowering it, saying teenagers are already sexually active and that the current law just ignores reality. They argued that aligning with the rest of Europe would remove unnecessary stigma and better protect young people in normal relationships.Others were firmly against it. They said sixteen-year-olds are still too young and vulnerable and lowering the age makes it easier for adults to take advantage of them. Some warned that instead of protecting teenagers, it would lower safeguards and open the door to exploitation.As Niall points out, this debate is not just about numbers on paper. It is about trust, maturity, and what it really means to protect young people in today’s world.
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49:22
#425 Does Ireland Really Need a President?
In this episode, Niall asks: Does Ireland really need a president?With new presidential hopefuls putting their names forward, some are questioning whether the office still serves any real purpose. Is the president an important neutral figure for the country, or just an expensive tradition Ireland can no longer justify?Some callers said the role is a waste of taxpayer money. They argued the Taoiseach runs the country and the president is mostly there for ceremonies and photo opportunities. In their view, the funds could be better spent on services like housing or healthcare.Others said the presidency is more than just symbolic. They pointed out that the president plays a vital role as guardian of the Constitution, with powers to refer laws and act as a final check on government overreach. Some callers said having a unifying figure above party politics helps keep the country together, especially in difficult times.As Niall points out, this debate goes beyond cost. It is about identity, trust, and whether Ireland still values a head of state who stands above the political fray.
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56:45
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56:45
#423 Does Living Abroad Mean Losing the Right to Vote?
In this episode, Niall asks: Should Irish citizens living abroad or in Northern Ireland have the right to vote in Irish elections?Sinn Féin has put forward a motion to extend voting rights in presidential elections to Irish citizens overseas and in the North. Supporters say it would honour the global Irish community and reflect modern realities. Opponents argue that voting should be reserved for those who live, work, and pay tax in Ireland.Some callers said voting must be tied to residency. They felt people living abroad are too disconnected from daily life in Ireland to influence decisions that don’t affect them directly. Others raised concerns about security, fraud, and voters basing choices on outdated views.But others passionately supported the motion, saying Irishness doesn't end at the border. They pointed to the importance of the diaspora in shaping Ireland’s story and said presidential elections are largely symbolic. One caller argued that excluding Irish citizens in Northern Ireland is especially unjust.As Niall points out, the debate raises deep questions about identity, participation, and what it really means to belong to a nation — even from afar.
About The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)
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