Newstalk Breakfast

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent. 

For the first time, people who can't physically climb Croagh Patrick can make the journey thanks to a new immersive experience that enables people of every age and ability to experience the holy mountain, and it will officially open today in County Mayo. Senior Project Manager at Mayo North East, Orlagh Denneny joined us on the show this morning.

More than 1,500 migrants, including adults and children, have swum from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in recent days, overwhelming reception centres and border services. Greta Ruffino, Freelance journalist reporting on the story for EuroNews joined Anton Savage on the show.

The Government has signalled a tougher approach to public spending ahead of Budget 2027, with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers warning that departments exceeding their spending limits will face stronger sanctions. 

Anton Savage was joined by Dr Emma Howard, Senior Economics Lecturer at TU Dublin, to discuss.

FIFA has defended its controversial plan to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.  UEFA's 55 member associations have unanimously voted to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if FIFA goes ahead with these plans. Former Irish Footballer Keith Treacy joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.

The US military said it completed a “heavy wave of strikes” against Iran on Thursday in response to so-called “surprise attacks” from Tehran against American bases in Jordan. 

Nicholas Hopton,  Former Ambassador to Iran and non-resident Senior fellow at the Atlantic Council joined Anton on Newstalk Breakfast to discuss the latest moves made in the conflict

While enthusiasm for learning and speaking more than one language is growing, why do people in Ireland speak so few of them? 

Anton was joined by Dr Paul Gillespie, research fellow with the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD and former foreign policy editor with The Irish Times and Columnist to discuss this more.

Writing in The Irish Times this morning Brian Caulfield, Professor in the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin  says that e-scooters can play a role in sustainable transport  

Brian spoke to Anton about this.  

As a group protesting against the Israel vs Ireland soccer match occupied the Department of Sport offices, Anton spoke to Cllr. Cieran Perry, Dublin City Councillor, about the ongoing protests

Three firefighters die in Crete as wildfires threaten parts of southern Europe, Anton was joined by Damian Mac Con Uladh, Irish journalist based in Athens