Newstalk Breakfast

Over the weekend US President Donald Trump, said several times that he is in favour of a United Ireland. 

His comments garnered a lot of pushback from unionist politicians, one of whom was Sammy Wilson, MP for East Antrim and DUP Chief Whip in the House of Commons.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Sean O’Rourke, Irish Journalist and Broadcaster.

New research by the Irish Blue Cross has found that more than half of Irish pet owners are still grieving more than a year after their pet’s passing, according to their new research 

 How do you cope after losing a pet and what supports are out there? To tell us was Dr Laura Mock Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross. 

Calls are being made to relax regulations for childminders are feeling burdened by new regulations put on them.  The calls come as those working in the sector say that many are leaving the industry in droves because of this. 

 To discuss this further with Anton was the Chief Executive of Childminding Ireland, Bernadette Orbinski Burke.

More than half of people believed they encountered more suspicious communications and possible scams than last year, according to new research from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland. 

Speaking to Anton was Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime at the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland. 

The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are meeting today in Cardiff. This meeting is to sign a deal designed to kick-start the break-up of the United Kingdom. 

Speaking to Anton with more on this was Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor, Financial Times.

There were over 1.2 billion domestic payments made on Irish cards, valued at almost €50 billion, in the first half of 2026. This is according to the latest research from the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland. 

To discuss this further with Anton was Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris spoke to Anton this morning from his party’s think-in in Gorey.

New figures released this morning by Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy shows a sharp fall in the number of international applicants as the EU Migration Pact takes effect.

Joining Anton to discuss further was Barrister Lorraine Lally.

Members of SIPTU working in 30 hospitals will commence industrial action later this month. This action is a result over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal. Speaking to Anton this morning was Kevin Figgis, Head of the SIPTU Health Division.