Liveline

Liveline

Kieran Cuddihy takes your calls and gets to the heart of the discussions that matter to the people of Ireland. 

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Resumen del episodio

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.

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Destacados

I think that the teachers are being used from the point of view that they're the one group. Well, there's also administrative staff in the hospitals. But the teachers are being used because of the fact that if they are out of school, the children have to be catered for at home, and that will put pressure on another segment of the population.

00:00:17 · Pat expresses his concern that teachers are targeted for strikes because their absence causes significant disruption to parents.

And I can guarantee you that our members would prefer to be going to work on Wednesday than potentially standing in the rain on a picket.

00:05:12 · Cathy Shields emphasizes that union members do not desire industrial action but feel it is necessary.

The only way other than that, like, you could decide to do what Russia and Ukraine are at or what's going on all over the world is If you don't talk, all that's left if you don't want to talk is action.

00:14:09 · The speaker uses a geopolitical analogy to argue that a lack of communication inevitably leads to industrial action.

With the 1.2 billion and what they have already said they will have to pay, they couldn't possibly, with the figures that are there, pay any more than 2%, way below inflation.

00:17:11 · A caller explains why the government's current budget allocation is insufficient to meet inflation rates.

And when you start holding the country or other individuals to ransom, you're heading for anarchy.

00:21:00 · Pat expresses his concern that extreme forms of protest could lead to social instability.

Episodios

5229-

"We are asking people to respect the picket line, be that in person or remotely"

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.

12 oct. 2026
5228-

"Where is George Gibney? He's in jail"

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.

12 oct. 2026
5227-

"I've lost my parents and I didn't get as many flowers"

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.

09 oct. 2026
5226-

"Hopefully we'll get four weeks in Brazil next summer"

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.

09 oct. 2026
5225-

"You don't have to watch it if you don't want to"

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.

09 oct. 2026