#681 Should Only Irish Citizens Vote?

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by journalist Laura Perrins to tackle a debate that goes right to the heart of Irish education: is it time to remove religion from public schools altogether?The discussion follows comments from Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins, who criticised what she described as a “fundamentally flawed” system, where some children are left sitting at the back of the classroom while others prepare for sacraments like Communion and Confirmation. Her remarks have reignited calls for a clearer separation between church and state in Irish education.Ireland’s school system has long had strong religious roots, with many primary schools still under Catholic patronage. While some parents value this tradition, others argue it no longer reflects a modern, diverse society. Surveys in recent years have shown growing support among parents for more inclusive, multi-denominational or non-religious education options, particularly in urban areas.So where should the line be drawn?Should religion be removed entirely from public schools to ensure equality for all children?Or does religion still have an important role in education and Irish identity?Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners:Do you agree with separating education and religion?Should schools be fully secular?Or are we at risk of losing something important?📞 Join the conversation and have your say.

A continuation of todayys topic in Part Two of the podcast On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by Paul Lawless to discuss a controversial move by the Government that has sparked fierce debate across the country.Plans are underway to introduce legislation that would remove the public’s right to object to planning when it comes to housing asylum seekers and refugees. At the same time, it has emerged that the Government intends to fast-track the construction of six large scale IPAS centres, potentially without going through the usual planning permission process.Supporters of the move argue the Government has no choice. With accommodation shortages already stretched to the limit, they say without urgent action, thousands could end up back in tents on the streets, particularly along areas like the Grand Canal. From this perspective, fast tracking projects and removing delays is about providing basic shelter and dealing with a humanitarian crisis.But critics see it very differently.They argue this is a serious erosion of democratic rights, removing the ability of local communities to have a say in developments in their own areas. Some are asking whether this sets a dangerous precedent — if the Government can bypass planning laws in one area, what’s to stop it happening elsewhere?So Niall is asking listeners:Are the Government right to act quickly, even if it means removing the right to object?Or is this a step too far, undermining democracy and local accountability?

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by Paul Lawless to discuss a controversial move by the Government that has sparked fierce debate across the country.Plans are underway to introduce legislation that would remove the public’s right to object to planning when it comes to housing asylum seekers and refugees. At the same time, it has emerged that the Government intends to fast-track the construction of six large scale IPAS centres, potentially without going through the usual planning permission process.Supporters of the move argue the Government has no choice. With accommodation shortages already stretched to the limit, they say without urgent action, thousands could end up back in tents on the streets, particularly along areas like the Grand Canal. From this perspective, fast tracking projects and removing delays is about providing basic shelter and dealing with a humanitarian crisis.But critics see it very differently.They argue this is a serious erosion of democratic rights, removing the ability of local communities to have a say in developments in their own areas. Some are asking whether this sets a dangerous precedent — if the Government can bypass planning laws in one area, what’s to stop it happening elsewhere?So Niall is asking listeners:Are the Government right to act quickly, even if it means removing the right to object?Or is this a step too far, undermining democracy and local accountability?Is this about compassion and urgency… or control and overreach?📞 Join the conversation and have your say.

On today’s episode, Niall is joined by John McGuirk, editor of Gript Media, for a hard-hitting discussion on the rising cost of living and the public’s reaction, or lack of it.With property taxes increasing, health insurance premiums climbing, and fuel prices surging dramatically in recent weeks, many households are feeling the squeeze like never before. Energy costs are expected to rise even further, while carbon tax is set to increase again in May. At the same time, everyday essentials such as food, broadband, and basic services continue to climb well beyond wage growth.Housing remains completely out of reach for many, with rents soaring and home ownership becoming an impossible dream for younger generations and those not already on the property ladder.So why are people putting up with it?Niall asks the question many are thinking but few are saying out loud: why are we allowing ourselves to be pushed to the brink financially without protest? Have we become too comfortable, too distracted, or simply too worn down to fight back?As governments continue to commit billions abroad, is there a growing sense that ordinary people are being left behind at home?This is a passionate and provocative conversation that challenges listeners to reflect on where they stand and whether silence is part of the problem.Do you think people have become too passive, or is there more going on beneath the surface?

On today’s episode, Niall opens the lines to callers after a flood of messages sparked by yesterday’s discussion on the upcoming Artemis II mission. What should have been a celebration of human achievement quickly turned into something else, with many listeners insisting we never went to the Moon in the first place.So why do conspiracy theories hold such a grip on people?Niall dives into the world of conspiracies, hearing from callers who firmly believe, strongly doubt, or simply enjoy questioning the official version of events. From the long-debated Apollo 11 Moon landing “hoax” theory, to the enduring mystery surrounding the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, people continue to challenge what they’re told.The show also explores theories around the September 11 attacks, with some claiming hidden truths behind the official narrative, and the persistent belief that Elvis Presley faked his own death and is still alive. Then there’s the idea that governments, particularly in the U.S., have secretly recovered and studied alien life, something often linked to places like Area 51.Niall also touches on the tragic death of Princess Diana, where theories range from a simple accident to something far more sinister involving powerful institutions.But beyond the theories themselves, the real question is this: why are so many people drawn to them? Is it a lack of trust in authority, unanswered questions, or just human curiosity?This episode is packed with fascinating, controversial, and sometimes unbelievable perspectives from listeners on what they believe, and why.Do you believe everything you’re told, or do you think there’s more going on behind the scenes?

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall reads out a fiery email from a listener whose wedding anniversary dinner didn’t quite go to plan.What was meant to be a quiet, romantic evening turned into a frustrating experience when a nearby table had a crying baby that, according to the listener, never settled. She says the situation escalated further when the mother began breastfeeding at the table, leaving her feeling that the entire atmosphere of the restaurant had been ruined.The listener believes there should be more consideration in fine dining settings, arguing that very young children don’t belong in those environments, especially when other diners have paid for a special night out.But is she being unreasonable?Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners on both sides of the debate.Should parents take crying babies outside out of respect for others?Is breastfeeding in a restaurant something people simply need to accept?Or are we expecting too much control in public spaces where families have every right to be?And the bigger question:Should babies and fine dining ever mix, or is it time for clear boundaries?📞 Join the conversation and have your say.

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by journalist and founder of the The Iona Institute, David Quinn, to debate a growing and controversial question: is mainstream media really impartial, or has it lost the public’s trust?The discussion follows a recent piece in the The Irish Times which argues that in an age of misinformation, fake news and AI-generated content, society must rely more than ever on trusted, professional journalism. The article highlights concerns about the spread of false information online, particularly through social media platforms, and suggests that established media organisations play a crucial role in protecting the “public good” by verifying facts, maintaining editorial standards and holding power to account.But David Quinn strongly disagrees.He argues that many mainstream publishers are far from objective or impartial, and that trust in traditional media has been eroded because of perceived bias and one-sided reporting. He questions whether telling people to rely only on “trusted media” ignores the reality that many now turn to alternative platforms precisely because they no longer trust mainstream outlets.So Niall asks:Where do you get your news?Do you trust newspapers and broadcasters to tell you the truth?Or do you believe social media platforms like X and TikTok are offering a necessary alternative voice?Are these platforms dangerously misinforming the public…or are they simply giving space for critical thinking and different viewpoints?And what about funding?The Irish State provides financial support to mainstream media, but not to independent or alternative outlets.Is that protecting quality journalism… or controlling the narrative?📞 Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners:Do you believe Irish mainstream media is fair and balanced?Or has it become a mouthpiece for the Government?Join the debate and have your say.

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall opens the lines on a debate that goes right to the heart of democracy: who should be allowed to vote, and how should they prove it?The discussion comes as Donald Trump continues to push the proposed SAVE America Act in the United States. The legislation aims to tighten voter registration rules by requiring individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, before they can vote. Supporters say it protects election integrity and prevents fraud. Critics argue it could disenfranchise legitimate voters who may not have easy access to those documents.At the same time, Ireland takes a very different approach.In Ireland, non Irish citizens can vote in local elections, and British citizens and residents can vote in general elections. Voters are not required to show a passport or birth certificate, and a wide range of identification is accepted at polling stations. To some, this reflects a fair and open democratic system. To others, it raises serious questions about security and national sovereignty.So Niall is asking listeners:Should only Irish born citizens be allowed to vote in Irish elections?Should you have to prove your identity with a passport or birth certificate before casting a vote?Or is Ireland right to keep the system as it is?Is stricter voting law about protecting democracy, or restricting it?📞 Call in and have your say.

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by journalist Laura Perrins to discuss how one simple mistake can have devastating consequences online.Laura shares her own shocking experience after her X account was hacked and completely wiped out, losing her profile, her content and all of her followers in an instant, all after clicking on what seemed like a harmless link. It’s a stark warning that this can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you think you are.With online scams becoming more sophisticated, from phishing emails to fake shopping websites and cloned social media pages, more and more people are finding themselves caught out. What starts as a simple click can quickly spiral into lost accounts, stolen money or even identity theft.Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners who have been hacked, conned or completely duped online.Have you ever lost access to your social media account?Have you been tricked into handing over personal details?Have you ordered something online that turned out to be nothing like what was advertised?Or worse, have you been the victim of bank fraud?And the big question, in a world where scams are everywhere:Do you actually trust online shopping and social media anymore?

On today’s show, Niall speaks to callers about a major High Court ruling that could have serious consequences for thousands of Irish households using so-called “dodgy boxes”.This week, the High Court ordered Revolut to hand over the names and details of 304 Irish customers and 10 resellers to Sky, as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal streaming. These devices, which have surged in popularity, give users access to movies, TV shows and live sports for a one-off fee, but are illegal under the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000.Up until now, Gardaí have mainly targeted sellers, but have repeatedly warned that users could also face action. With this latest ruling, many are now asking if they could be next. Those identified could face fines of up to €127,000, possible jail time, and even civil action from Sky.Niall opens the lines to hear directly from listeners.Are you one of the hundreds of thousands using these services, and will you continue now that there’s a real threat of prosecution? Do you agree with the courts allowing Sky access to personal banking information, or does this cross a line when it comes to privacy?Join the conversation and have your say.