Highlights From Newstalk Breakfast

Gardaí are investigating claims there was a bomb at the family home of Tánaiste Simon Harris yesterday afternoon, resulting in a large security operation. This is the third threat made against the Fine Gael leader in just over a week. Ciaran Cannon, Former Fine Gael TD joined Jonathan Healy on the show this morning.

Cocaine kits have been spotted for sale in a shop window in Dublin’s city center. Marketed as ‘snuff kits’, they include a razor, a metal spoon and a snorting tube. How harmful is the open promotion and sale of these products? Addiction counsellor Austin Prior joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.

Vow renewals are the new weddings. Sarah Madden brought us this report…

Kerry County Council will today hold the first of a nationwide series of Presidential candidate consultation meetings as the local authority route for securing a nomination narrows.  Our reporter Josh Crosbie is in Kerry,,,Newstalk’s political correspondent Sean Defoe joined Jonathan Healy on the show.

US President Donald Trump said he was prepared to move forward on new sanctions on Moscow, hours after Russia fired its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine. Kira Rudyk, Ukrainian MP joined Shane Coleman on the show.

Although still well in the minority, research has shown that the number of children being homeschooled has increased.  The number has grown from 1,507 to 2,499 in recent years. Should homeschooling become more mainstream, and does it prove a more viable option for some families? We heard from Monica O’Connor, mother of six.

Why the smooth sounds are such a source of frustration? Adrian Chiles, broadcaster and Guardian columnist tell us why he detests hold music.

The Russian Embassy in Ireland has strongly criticised the possibility of deploying Irish peacekeepers in Ukraine. It comes after yesterday, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said Ireland would be willing to consider sending peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia. All to discuss with Cathal Berry, former TD.

The Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon has said he is "extremely concerned" over the State's response to a boy who is missing in north county Dublin and presumed dead. Dr Niall Muldoon spoke to Ciara this morning with more on this.

Cabinet Minister Patrick O’Donovan has accused hoteliers of “robbing people up to their eyeballs”. While warning the Vat reduction promised in the Budget is not guaranteed. Shane and Ciara discussed all this morning.

Giorgio Armani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer who built a global empire, has died at the age of 91. Speaking about his legacy was Jo Ellison, Editor of “How to spend it magazine” for the Financial Times.

Minister Paschal Donohoe discusses Ireland’s infrastructure crunch, housing delays, and what the government plans for Budget 2026

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has ended his efforts to run in the presidential election, claiming that a new generation has been told lies about his character and political life. Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Sean Defoe brings us all the latest on the race to the Áras.

Ireland’s infrastructure challenges are now seen as a direct threat to competitiveness. Chambers Ireland warns that delays in planning, housing, energy and transport are driving up costs and holding back growth. We heard from Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot.

Could the incentive of free coffee for picking up rubbish be the answer to our litter problems? Litter picking schemes in Copenhagen, the UK, and America amongst others have proven effective in diminishing rubbish, particularly in tourist hotspots. Could this work in Ireland? All to discuss with John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and author of the Lie of the Land.

The head of the Metropolitan Police has called on the UK government to "change or clarify" the law following the arrest of comedian Graham Linehan over posts he made online. The 57-year-old Father Ted writer was arrested under the Public Order Act on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence in relation to posts about trans people on X. We discuss this further with Dominic Grieve Former UK Attorney General and Conservative MP.

At least 15 people have died and 18 were injured after a famed Lisbon funicular derailed and smashed into a building in one of the Portuguese capital's most popular tourist spots. Joining us for more on this was Katie Wright a freelance journalist in Lisbon. 

Allowing garden homes without planning permission will have “significant unintended consequences, even if limited to family members only.” So says the Irish Planning Institute in its submission to a recent government consultation. All to discuss further with Gavin Lawlor, President of Irish Planning Institute.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority has seized over 10,000 illegal weight-loss as part of a wider crackdown on falsified medicines. We get the details from Donal O Shea, Consultant Endocrinologist and HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity.

Many avid Electric Picnic veterans were left disappointed yesterday after a long-running loyalty scheme failed to secure them tickets.  Places at next year’s festival sold out within two hours, leaving many hopefuls empty-handed.We asked what happened with Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.