Romance knows no boundaries they say but it can cost you your job in some countries just ask the former bosses of BP and McDonalds.  We’re not as strict in Ireland about office relationships but company bosses need to set some clear rule especially when one part of the new romance reports to the other. 

Joe discusses further with Mary Cullen is the Managing Director of Insight HR. 

There has definitely been a mood change among the big US technology companies since Donald Trump won the election last November.  Where they might have been accused of being ‘woke’ beforehand they certainly aren't now. . All of them appear to be dumping its diversity and inclusion policies.    

All to discussion with Newstalk Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

Friday's business news and markets updates along with Joe Lynam and Kate English from Deloitte. 

It’s been 6 months since the packaging giant Smurfit Westrock formally delisted from the Dublin Stock exchange.  In that time, shares in the newly merged entity have soared 40% vindicating the decision to quit in many ways. The company, which is still headquartered in Dublin, posted a 4th quarter net income of $146m though it expects to earn an EBITDA of over $1.1bn.

Though it’s set to be an interesting time for Smurfit in the US as that nation rows back on its recycling and DEI positions. Joe discusses all with   Ken Bowles the Chief Financial officer with Smurfit Westrock.

The very act of getting legal advice means you are either in or about to enter some sort of dispute with someone or something.  Larry Fenelon is launching a new legal practice which he says will be ‘conflict free’ in terms of commercial disputes.  Fenecas Law also enters a pretty full marketplace which is consolidating with bigger international players swallowing up smaller Irish outfits. Larry joined Joe in studio this morning.

Thursday's business news along with Joe Lynam.

ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, affects how young people communicate with others, if they do at all and for some, they can never lead independent lives.  One medical research company in Co Kerry hopes to find a treatment for those with ASD and has started clinical trials of a new drug which could be transformative. But getting from trials to the pharmacy shelves is a complicated and often very expensive process. 

Joe was joined on the show this morning by Professor Liz Shanahan the Founder and Chief Executive of Kingdom Therapeutics.

Joe Lynam takes a look at the main business stories of the day.

Europe, for many, is at a trading crossroads.  Its traditional military ally and trading partner the US is slapping tariffs without provocation and even looking to seize sovereign European more specifically Danish territory.   It means that the law of unintended consequence says that Europe may well consider trading more rather than less with China with the EU commission president hinting as much this week  But with 27 different member states sitting about the table, with 27 different views, how would that work? 

To discuss further with Joe was Finbarr Bermingham is the Europe Correspondent with the South China Morning Post. 

Donald Trump has confirmed that he will be slapping 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum coming to the US.  That will almost certainly face retaliation from Europe and China and underline the fact that we are in a trade war.  It comes as government imposed costs at home for companies are rising rapidly and Ireland looks set to miss out on the AI revolution. Speaking to Joe this morning was the Managing Partner of EY - Frank O’Keefe.