On today’s programme, Niall is joined by Eilís Mulroy, pro-life campaigner and commentator, to revisit one of the most consequential decisions in modern Irish history — the repeal of the Eighth Amendment.

New figures show that 10,852 abortions were carried out in the Republic of Ireland in 2024, the highest number ever recorded since abortion was legalised following the 2018 referendum. Across the water, the UK has also seen record numbers, with almost 300,000 abortions in 2023 alone.

Buried within those statistics are figures that raise difficult and deeply emotional questions:

3,205 disability-selective abortions

735 babies with Down’s syndrome

40 babies aborted due to cleft lip or cleft palate

Niall and Eilís discuss what these numbers mean, how Ireland arrived at this point, and whether the reality of abortion access today matches what voters were promised in 2018.

Was the public told the full truth during the referendum campaign?

Has what was described as “rare, safe, and legal” become routine?

And how should a society measure compassion, care, and choice in light of these figures?

After the discussion, the phones are opened, and listeners are invited to take part in a frank and respectful conversation.

If the referendum on the Eighth Amendment were held again tomorrow — knowing what we know now — how would you vote?

A challenging discussion, strong opinions on all sides, and a chance for the public to have their say.

This week on the show, Niall is joined by John McGuirk of Gript Media to tackle a question that goes right to the heart of Irish diplomacy — and Irish pride.

If Taoiseach Micheál Martin is invited to the White House for St Patrick’s Day, should he refuse to go?

For decades, the shamrock ceremony has been one of Ireland’s most cherished diplomatic traditions — a chance to celebrate Irish identity on the world stage and strengthen ties with the United States. But this year, the invitation comes with serious controversy attached.

The US President has threatened sweeping tariffs on the EU and the UK — starting at 10% and rising to 25% — unless Europe agrees to a deal that would see the United States purchase Greenland from Denmark. European leaders have pushed back hard, standing shoulder to shoulder with Denmark and insisting that no country can be bullied out of its territory.

So where does that leave Ireland?

Should we keep smiling for the cameras, or should Ireland finally draw a line?

Is attending the White House a necessary act of diplomacy — or a silent endorsement of behaviour that undermines European sovereignty?

Niall and John debate what a snub would mean politically, economically, and symbolically — and then the phones are opened, as listeners are invited to have their say.

Is it time to make a stand, even if it means tearing up one of our most beloved diplomatic traditions?

Today on the show, Niall opens the phone lines to callers to debate major new changes to Ireland’s rental laws coming into force from March 1st.

Under the new rules, landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy simply because they wish to sell their property. While landlords can still sell, any sale must now take place with tenants remaining in situ, and buyers must accept the property as an active tenancy rather than a vacant home.

Landlord groups warn the changes will have serious unintended consequences, arguing that properties with sitting tenants are harder to sell, often achieve a lower price, and may drive more small landlords out of the rental market altogether—further reducing supply.

Tenants and housing advocates, however, say the reforms are long overdue. They argue the new measures finally provide genuine security of tenure, protecting renters from eviction and offering stability for up to six years, particularly in a market marked by rising rents and limited housing options.

So where should the balance lie?

Do these new laws unfairly restrict a landlord’s right to sell their own property?

Or are stronger tenant protections essential in the middle of an ongoing housing crisis?

As always, callers are divided—and the debate is lively.