Newstalk Breakfast

There were over 27 thousand first time buyer mortgages drawn down in the last 12 months to end of September, which is the highest annualised number since 2007. That’s according to the latest report from the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland, and joining us on the show this morning was CEO Brian Hayes.

United Ireland would pose threat to Britain from Russia, that’s according to Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry former NATO commander who joined on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Protests continued in Citywest last night. Around 100 people gathered for a peaceful demonstration outside the IPAS centre in Saggart village. The night ended without any violence and protesters have vowed to return this evening.

Our reporter, Josh Crosbie was there speaking with some of those in attendance…

A new EU ‘pay transparency’ law coming in next June could transform how Irish workplaces handle pay. An IBEC survey this week shows many companies aren’t ready for the changes or even sure how they’ll work in practice. Nichola Harkin, head of employment law at IBEC joined Ciara Kelly on the show to discuss.

Once the heart of Dublin’s trading scene, the Iveagh Markets in the Liberties has been closed for nearly three decades. Newstalk reporter Ellen Kenny spoke to former traders about their own history with the Iveagh Markets, and what they want to see in the future…

The US has announced new sanctions targeting Russia's two largest oil companies in an effort to pressure Moscow to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine. It comes as the EU also announces its own sanctions, including energy and trade.  

Dr Jenny Mathers, Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University joined Ciara Kelly on the show.

23 people were arrested during a second night of disturbances at the Citywest accommodation centre in Dublin which gardaí say was predominantly carried out by teenagers and young adult males. 

 It raises broader questions about the strain on Ireland’s immigration system. Ciara discusses this morning with Conor Lally Irish Times Crime and Security Editor and Matt Carthy, Sinn Fein’s Justice, Home Affairs and Migration spokesperson. 

A commemorative plaque will be unveiled later today at Technological University Dublin to mark the 50th anniversary of The Boomtown Rats’ first-ever gig, which took place at Bolton Street Technical College on 31 October 1975.

Shane spoke to Bob Geldof this morning on his memories of the first gig and more.

Support for Catherine Connolly is now at 44 per cent, according to the latest presidential poll from the Business Post and Red C. Heather Humphreys remains at 25 per cent – 19 points behind her opponent. To discuss the findings of the poll further was Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post.

“I gave up small talk for a month – and the world came alive”.  So wrote Claire Eastham, Author and anxiety coach in the Guardian and Claire explained why to