Newstalk Breakfast

From November 1st, learner drivers will no longer be able to get a third or fourth learner permit by just applying for a driving test without passing. 

Joe Wynne of Wynne School of Motoring and Michael Fitzmaurice, Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon-Galway both joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.

Rank-and-file Gardaí will engage in five days of work-to-rule action coinciding with a major EU Presidency meeting of leaders in Dublin on 13th November. Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the GRA joined Anton to discuss.

The manosphere is being compared to the tobacco industry. A new report warns that social media platforms are profiting from young men's anger and insecurity, with potentially serious consequences for public health. Dr Jennifer Donnelly, Postdoctoral researcher at the RCSI joined Anton on the show to discuss.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Derek Mooney, Former Fianna Fáil Advisor and Public Affairs Consultant. 

Ahead of next week’s midterm elections, Donald Trump has cancelled some political rallies after reporters questioned whether he was tired from travelling across the country to hold rallies. The 80-year old will instead hold virtual rallies in Iowa and Kansas.

Amy Tarkanian, Former Nevada Republican State Chairwoman and Republican Strategist joined Anton on the show to discuss.

Russell Brand's wife Laura has told a court her husband is "caring, kind and a wonderful father to our children". The 39-year-old told the jury at Brand's rape and sexual assault trial that they have a “very honest, frank, and clear relationship and marriage.” 

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, BBC Presenter and host of the podcast Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss the latest on the trial.

Anton was joined on the show this morning by Peter Horgan, Labour Councillor for Cork South-Central, Cork City South East who is calling for a balaclava ban in Cork parks to tackle antisocial behaviour as well as more Gardaí and CCTV.

Officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the deadly train crash that killed 69 people in Spain on Wednesday morning. Leaked audio recordings that were published in Spanish media have revealed conversations between train drivers and a control centre just minutes before the crash 

Stephen Burgen, Spain-based journalist joined Anton Savage on the show with the latest.

Today, the Garda Representative Association will meet to discuss plans for industrial action. This comes after members voted work-to-rule industrial action during events around Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council. 

To get reaction from Government Anton spoke to Catherine Ardagh Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South Central and Minister of State for the Department of Justice.

Have you ever felt torn between your career and your children? Sarah O Neill explores the guilt many working parents experience at crèche drop-off, and the struggle to balance professional ambition with family life.