In this episode, Niall asks: Do protests still have the power to make a difference—or are they being ignored? The discussion follows last weekend’s enormous demonstration in Dublin, where tens of thousands flooded O’Connell Street in a grassroots protest against Ireland’s immigration policy.

Despite the protest's size, it received minimal media attention and no formal response from the government, leading many to question whether public demonstrations can still force change. Unlike the usual state-funded rallies or trade union-backed marches, this protest had no political party or media machine behind it—just ordinary people voicing their frustration.

The demonstration was framed as a tribute to the 1916 Easter Rising, with protesters marching in memory of those who gave their lives for Irish freedom. But for many, it also served as a sharp critique of modern Ireland’s direction—highlighting issues like mass immigration, housing shortages, rising cost of living, and what many see as a government out of touch with its people.

Some callers felt the protest marked a turning point, showing that public anger is growing and that change could be coming, even if not immediately. They believe such mass mobilisation is essential to send a message to the government and inspire more people to speak out.

Others weren’t so sure. They argued that without political organisation or action at the ballot box, protests alone won’t make a difference. While powerful in spirit, they fear these events are easily dismissed by those in power unless voters follow through with change at the polls.

In this episode, Niall asks: Should older people living alone in three-bedroom council houses be required to downsize to make way for younger families?

As Ireland’s housing crisis deepens, the question of how social housing is allocated has sparked a new debate. With growing numbers of families stuck in emergency accommodation and a severe shortage of larger homes, is it reasonable to ask elderly tenants to move into smaller properties when their housing needs have changed? Or is it unfair to expect someone to leave the home they’ve lived in for decades?

Some callers think it’s a necessary step in managing scarce resources. Council housing should be based on need, not comfort. If someone is occupying a home that no longer fits their situation, it’s only fair to make room for families who desperately need space. The state should provide incentives or suitable alternatives like one-bedroom bungalows or retirement communities to support the move.

While other callers feel it’s cruel and disrespectful to push older people out of the homes they’ve built their lives in. Many have lived there for decades, raised families, and maintained their communities. Forcing them out now feels like a punishment. Moreover, the lack of appropriate downsized housing makes this idea unrealistic and unjust.

In this episode, Niall asks: Is animal testing a necessary evil?

The Irish Anti-Vivisection Society (IAVS) has condemned the grim reality that over 106,000 animals — including cats and dogs — were used in painful experiments in Ireland last year. With growing public outrage, Niall discusses whether all animal use in medical research should now be banned.

Some callers argue that although it’s uncomfortable, animal testing is still necessary. They point out that without it, many life-saving medicines and vaccines would not exist. Until reliable alternatives are available, they believe limited, ethical testing remains essential to save human lives. They also stress that efforts should continue to reduce animal use, but abandoning it now would be dangerous for medical progress.

Other callers believe animal testing is outdated and cruel. They argue that in an age of AI, computer modelling, and advanced lab technologies, we no longer need to exploit animals for scientific gains. To them, it's a moral failure to continue using animals when more humane methods are increasingly accessible. Some even suggest that if society truly cared about animals, we would rethink our entire relationship with them, far beyond just the lab.

Niall reflects on the passionate views shared and acknowledges the complexity of balancing human progress with compassion for all living beings.