Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

A new study shows how orangutans in Indonesia learn how to build their nests by closely watching their peers. Also scientists have discovered that a common type of ant breaks the rules of biology. Ant queens of one species can produce male offspring of a whole other species to breed armies of hybrids. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland in this week's Green Scene.All with thanks to Repak.

Danny McConnell, Editor of the Business Post brings us the latest on the presidential race.

Israel strikes Hamas in Qatar while Poland defends itself from Russian attacks. We get reaction with Asher Freedman Former Israeli Strategic Affairs Official & Executive Director of the Misgav Institute for National Security and also Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD.

14 would be presidential candidates pitched themselves to Kerry County Council yesterday and Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin battle it out for the Fianna Fáil nomination later today.Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent for Newstalk and Host of the 'Let Me Explain' Podcast joined Pat to bring us the latest on the Presidential race.

For the fourth consecutive month, work on the countries' housing projects has declined. According to AIB’s latest construction purchasing managers index, construction activity fell to 45.9 in August, which is quite below the key breakeven level of 50. It comes as housing targets will be missed for every year of government, according to officials from the Department of Housing.Pat Kenny was joined by Conor O’Connell, Director of Housing and Planning, Construction Industry Federation (CIF) to discuss.

Hundreds of Chinese millionaires have been approved for Irish “golden visas” since the scheme was shut two years ago, after applications in train at the time of closure were kept open despite concern about weak controls. Arthur Beesley is current affairs editor of the Irish Times and joined Pat with the story.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent and Presenter of Tech Talk joined Pat Kenny with the latest on all things tech and answered listeners questions.

Israel’s defence minister warns Gaza city about the subject of “mighty hurricane”. Professor Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Angela Rayner last week resigned as deputy leader of the UK Labour party along with her government positions following revelations that she underpaid stamp duty. The race to succeed her as deputy leader is now underway. George Parker, Political Editor, Financial Times joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Most famously known for her debut novel ‘P.S I love you’. ‘Paper Hearts’ is set in rural Ballybeg in County Wicklow. The main character Pip feels like she’ll never be able to reach her dreams again when she becomes pregnant at sixteen during a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable. After years of shame and neglect, her world opens up again, but first, there are a few major plot twists that she has to get through first to find her happy ending. Author Cecila Ahern joined Pat on the show to discuss her latest novel.

School principals have to face budgeting decisions every school year… but what if you were faced with the decision between free school meals or two new teachers, which would you choose?Well, that is one decision that has been taken out of the hands of Robert White, principal of Scoil Íde Naofa in Kildare, who has lost a teacher in this year’s allocation — a teacher he says he would prioritise over the allocation of free school meals in his school.Robert White, Principal, Scoil Íde Naofa, Kildare joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning.

Ireland is one of the fastest-growing ageing countries in Europe but new research highlights how we lack in social and health care needs for older people. That’s according to TILDA, the Irish longitudinal study on ageing which found that many older adults remain undiagnosed for conditions and depression is nearly not reported at all but loneliness levels have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels.  Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA joined Pat Kenny on the show to tell us more about the report. 

Why are there so many foxes running wild in our urban areas and what should we do when we see them? Dr Colin Lawton from the University of Galway joined Pat on the show to discuss how foxes are getting more and more comfortable in our towns and cities. 

Traditionally, vision correction surgery has been seen as a permanent change, you do LASIK, PRK, or lens replacement, and that’s your new visual baseline. But more and more, people want to know they have an “exit strategy” if they’re not happy with the outcome. It’s not that they expect to be unhappy, in fact, outcomes are excellent, but the idea that there’s a safety net makes them more comfortable moving forward. Our expert today was Dr Arthur Cummings, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Medical Director at the Wellington Eye Clinic.

Well, it didn’t take long for autumn to be in the air. Though summer is behind us, the changing season throws up some great travel opportunities too. Pól Ó Conghaile, Irish Independent travel editor, joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

US President Donald Trump has said he hopes to get the war in Ukraine solved as European leaders come to meet him today and tomorrow. It comes after the largest aerial bombardment of Ukraine over the weekend. Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News WSHU Public Radio brings us the latest along with a look at a threat of “war” on Chicago and a Senator having an oversight visit cancelled. 

Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss trust and group dynamics in light of Traitors.

Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times, joined Pat to discuss Presidential hopefuls asking for parties not to block their route to entering the election via the local authorities and the continued threats to Simon Harris.

It was eight years ago since the EU and Canada signed a comprehensive economic trade agreement, otherwise known as CETA, however Ireland is yet to ratify this agreement. In a time when Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to bring uncertainty and upheaval to the global economy, resulting in countries seeking trade outside of the US. Tánaiste Simon Harris has secured cabinet approval for the drafting of legislation which will allow for the ratification of the CETA. Dennis King, Canadian ambassador to Ireland, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Have you ever heard of a biobank? Well, this morning, we find out exactly what a biobank is and why they form such an important part of disease research. Biobank Ireland is a trust dedicated to expanding a network of biobanks across Ireland with a specific focus on cancer research.  Professor Seán Hynes, Professor in Pathology and Consultant Histopathologist at University Hospital Galway joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning.