Today on the show, Niall is joined by Karl Deeter and callers to debate a question that’s dividing opinion across Ireland: should the Gardaí be armed, and can we trust them with tasers?With Justin Kelly stepping into the role of Garda Commissioner, national security is firmly back on the agenda. Kelly—formerly Chief Superintendent of the Special Detective Unit—has warned about the growing threats of espionage, extremism, and organised crime. At his first press conference, he raised the possibility of equipping frontline Gardaí with tasers, citing the rising number of injuries officers face each week.Ireland has long stood apart as one of the few countries with an unarmed police service, a tradition many see as central to our identity. But is that tradition sustainable in today’s climate? Do tasers represent a necessary step toward protecting Gardaí and the public, or are they the first move toward wider arming of the force?Niall and Karl take your calls on whether tasers are a sensible tool for modern policing—or a dangerous shift in culture. Would you feel safer or less safe if Gardaí carried tasers? Do you trust the rank and file to use them responsibly?
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#498 Speed Vans: Protecting or Profiting?
On today’s show, Niall opens the lines to ask a simple but controversial question: are Garda speed traps really about saving lives—or are they just making money?Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called for a tougher stance on speeding, pointing to the fact that 30% of fatal crashes are caused by speed and that 174 people lost their lives on Irish roads in 2024. She wants more speed vans at rural blackspots to crack down on dangerous driving.But with €32 million collected in fines over 30 months, and €44 million in operating costs going to private contractors, critics say the numbers don’t add up. If the vans are “losing money,” why expand them? Is this truly about road safety—or about revenue?Niall talks to callers about whether speed vans make our roads safer, or whether they’re an expensive exercise in catching drivers out. Do you think they save lives—or are they just another cash cow?
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#495 Would you fight for your country?
In this thought-provoking episode, Niall is joined by journalist Ian O’Doherty to explore a timeless yet deeply divisive question: Would you fight for your country?Prompted by a recent survey of British men showing that only one in three would be willing to defend their nation if war broke out, the discussion ranges from the history of the Oxford Union “King and Country” debate of 1933 to the modern realities of conflict, nationalism, and personal responsibility.Listeners call in with passionate, contrasting views. Some see defending their homeland as a sacred duty, while others reject the idea of sacrificing their lives for political leaders or monarchs. The conversation also touches on Ireland’s past struggles for freedom, the legacy of the IRA, and the controversial issue of Ukrainian men in Ireland avoiding conscription.Callers’ Pros & Cons:Pros (for fighting)Patriotism & loyalty: A duty to defend one’s family, community, and way of life.Freedom isn’t free: Sacrifice is necessary to preserve democracy and sovereignty.National pride: Fighting proves solidarity with one’s nation in times of crisis.Historical precedent: Past generations risked everything, so today’s shouldn’t shy away.Cons (against fighting)Distrust of leaders: People refuse to die for governments or monarchs they don’t support.Moral objections: Some see all war as unjustifiable violence.Futility of war: Many believe modern conflicts solve nothing and only create suffering.Personal cost: The risk of death or leaving family behind outweighs any sense of duty.Global citizenship view: Some reject nationalism entirely, believing cooperation matters more.This episode asks the ultimate personal question: If your country called, what would you do?
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#496 Boys & Girls in Education: Together or Apart?
This week, Niall is joined by Eric Nelligan from Aontú to tackle a hot-button issue in Irish education: Should single-sex schools be a thing of the past?The debate reignites as St Joseph of Cluny Secondary School in Killiney welcomes male students for the first time in its 70-year history. With the Labour Party previously suggesting that all secondary schools should be co-educational, the question arises: should the state push for mixed schools, or should parents have the right to choose single-sex education for their children?Callers weigh in with passionate arguments on both sides. Is co-ed schooling a more natural and modern way to prepare young people for the real world, or does single-sex schooling provide a safer, more focused environment?Pros of Co-ed Schools:Real-world preparation: Students learn to interact with the opposite sex in everyday settings.Equality & inclusivity: Encourages gender balance and breaks down stereotypes.Broader subject choice: Schools can pool resources to offer more diverse classes.Cons of Co-ed Schools:Distractions: Teen social dynamics can interfere with academic focus.Unequal participation: Boys may dominate certain subjects, discouraging girls (and vice versa).Discipline challenges: Mixed environments may lead to more behavioural issues.Pros of Single-Sex Schools:Focused learning: Fewer social pressures can lead to stronger academic performance.Tailored teaching: Lessons can be adapted to learning styles that may differ between boys and girls.Confidence building: Students may feel freer to pursue non-traditional subjects without gender bias.Cons of Single-Sex Schools:Lack of social balance: Students may struggle with opposite-sex interaction later in life.Reinforces stereotypes: Separating boys and girls can perpetuate outdated gender roles.Limited choice: Parents and students may have fewer local options.This episode asks the big question: When it comes to schools, is separate still equal, or is it time for everyone to mix?
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#494 Mass Attendance: Where Did Everyone Go?
In this episode, Niall sits down with Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin to explore one of the biggest questions facing the Irish Church today: why has Mass attendance declined so dramatically over the past few decades?From the 85% of Irish Catholics attending weekly in 1990 to just 35% by 2018, the downward trend is undeniable. Bishop Nulty reflects on the challenges facing parishes, including the lasting impact of Covid-19, the rise of online worship, and how many people have simply “gotten out of the habit” of Sunday practice.But are these the only reasons? Together, Niall and Bishop Nulty look at the wider cultural, social, and spiritual shifts at play—and discuss what the Church can do to invite people back.🙏 Whether you’re a regular churchgoer, someone who’s drifted away, or simply curious about faith in modern Ireland, this episode offers insight into why Sunday still matters.
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