The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

On today’s show, Niall sits down with Laura Perrins from Gript Media to debate whether curfews could help tackle rising violence and anti-social behaviour in Dublin city centre. With recent knife attacks involving teenagers and growing public concern, Niall asks: could curfews for under-18s really make the streets safer, or would they unfairly punish young people?

Laura shares her perspective on the challenges facing communities and whether curfews have worked elsewhere. After the interview, Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners. Callers give their own views—some supporting stricter measures to restore safety, others warning that curfews may not solve the deeper issues at play.

It’s a lively, thought-provoking discussion about law, order, and how best to protect both young people and the wider public.

This week, host Niall opens the phone lines for a heated discussion on the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation to raise Ireland’s national minimum wage by 5% — from €13.50 to €14.17 an hour.

Supporters argue the increase is long overdue, pointing out that workers are still struggling to keep pace with rising rents, food prices, and energy bills. Critics, however, warn that small businesses are already under immense pressure, with Retail Excellence Ireland’s CEO Jean McCabe calling the proposal “the nail in the coffin” after a 35% rise in wage costs over the past five years.

As always, Niall brings listeners into the heart of the debate. Callers share their stories from both sides — employees saying they can’t make ends meet, and employers insisting higher wages could force closures and job losses. Expect passionate exchanges, real-life experiences, and no shortage of strong opinions as the nation wrestles with the question: Can Ireland afford another wage hike — or can workers afford not to have one?

In this fiery episode, host Niall sits down with outspoken journalist Ian O’Doherty to ask a question at the heart of a growing national debate: “Whose job is it to teach primary school children about sex and sexual orientation — parents, or the state?”

The conversation is sparked by the government’s newly revised primary school curriculum, which for the first time introduces lessons on sexual orientation and earlier discussions of puberty. Education Minister Helen McEntee insists the changes are age-appropriate and necessary for respect and understanding. But many parents are pushing back, saying this is a line the state should never cross.

As Niall and Ian dive into the issue, the phone lines light up — and the callers don’t hold back. Some argue schools should teach only the basics of biology, leaving sensitive conversations about sexuality to families. Others say parents can’t always be relied upon to cover these topics responsibly, and schools have a duty to ensure every child receives the same level of information and respect. A few listeners even suggest a middle ground: that schools provide neutral information, while parents handle the “values” side of the conversation.

Expect sharp exchanges, passionate opinions, and more than a little mayhem as Niall steers through the storm of perspectives.

Today on the show Niall explores a sensitive and growing conversation: in the wake of the Charlie Kirk shooting, many Christian commentators in America are saying there's been a surge in talk about faith—yet also a fear among believers. Some Christians say they worry about admitting their faith publicly, concerned they’ll be mocked or dismissed.

So the question is: Are people nowadays afraid to say they believe in God?

Niall invites listeners to call in and share their perspectives—whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between. What social pressures, cultural shifts, or personal fears are at play? Is this a uniquely American issue—or one felt globally?

Today Niall sits down with renowned cyber security expert Will Geddes to explore one of the hottest debates online today:

Should you have to verify your identity on all social media and use your real name to register?

With growing concerns about fake accounts, online abuse, and digital security, is mandatory verification the answer—or would it strip away anonymity, free speech, and privacy?

Niall also opens the lines to callers, inviting listeners to share their thoughts and experiences. From everyday users to tech-savvy professionals, everyone has an opinion on whether the future of social media should be real names only or if anonymity still deserves protection.

Tune in for a lively discussion packed with expert insights, real stories, and an important question for anyone who uses social media.

In this episode, Niall is joined by Peadar Tóibín from Aontú to discuss predictions for Budget 2026. With a total package of €9.4 billion on the table — including €7.9 billion in extra public spending and €1.5 billion in tax cuts — the Government says it’s shifting away from once-off cost-of-living supports and moving towards more permanent measures. But where should that money really go?

Niall asks listeners to call in and share their views: What would you like to see the extra spending directed towards? Or are we already spending too much and ignoring the risk of future downturns?

Examples of what callers might say:

“Healthcare has to be the priority — waiting lists are far too long, and we need more hospital staff and capacity.”

“Housing, housing, housing. Young people can’t afford to rent or buy — put the extra billions into building affordable homes.”

“Increase the tax cuts instead. People are struggling, and putting more money back into workers’ pockets would help families directly.”

“Public transport and infrastructure should get the focus. If we don’t invest now, we’ll fall behind in the next decade.”

“I’d like to see more support for families — boosting child benefit or childcare funding would make a real difference.”

“Stop spending so much. We’re heading into uncertain times with tariffs and global instability — we should be saving, not spending.”

“Hospitality needs the VAT cut back. Small businesses are struggling, and this sector supports thousands of jobs.”

“Raise the inheritance tax threshold. Families shouldn’t be penalised for passing on homes and savings.”

In this episode, Niall talks to Senator Gerard Craughwell to discuss the upcoming presidential election, his views on the race, and what’s at stake for Ireland. Later, Niall is joined by Jason Osbourne from Gript Media for a deep dive into one of today’s most pressing cultural questions: Has the divide between left and right grown wider, and has the internet and social media fueled that divide?

Listeners are invited to call in and share their thoughts on the bigger question: Do the negatives outweigh the positives when it comes to the internet and social media? From free expression to online echo chambers, the conversation asks whether these tools are connecting us or pulling us further apart.

Pros callers might raise:

Connectivity & access to information – Social media allows people to connect across borders instantly and gives a voice to those who might otherwise be unheard.

Accountability & transparency – It has exposed corruption, amplified grassroots movements, and held powerful people and institutions to account.

Cons callers might raise:

Polarisation & misinformation – Algorithms often reward outrage, leading to echo chambers, disinformation, and deeper political divides.

Mental health & social pressure – Constant comparison, cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of platforms can damage mental wellbeing and social cohesion.

In this episode, host Niall sits down with Laura Perrins from Gript Media to discuss a high-profile case currently unfolding in Utah — the suspected murderer, Tyler Robinson, is increasingly likely to face the death penalty. Together, Niall and Laura explore the moral, legal, and practical dimensions of capital punishment.

Is it justice, deterrent, or an inhumane relic? What are the arguments for and against? And how do public opinion, cost, racial and racial bias, mistakes of justice, and international norms come into play? Niall also invites callers to share their own views and personal stories on whether the death penalty has a place in modern society.

Example Talking Points:

Pros could include:

Deterrence: The idea that the death penalty may discourage others from committing serious crimes.

Retribution / justice for victims: Some people feel that the most violent crimes deserve the severest punishment.

Closure: For some families, knowing that the perpetrator cannot possibly harm again brings a sense of finality.

Cost savings (argued by some): Supporters sometimes say that executing someone will, over time, cost less than keeping them in prison for life (though this is highly disputed).

Cons might include:

Risk of wrongful convictions: Innocent people have been sentenced to death and then exonerated.

Moral / ethical objections: Some believe state-sanctioned killing is inherently wrong.

Unequal application: Evidence that race, socio-economic status, quality of legal representation, or geography have strong impacts on who is sentenced to death.

High cost and complexity: Death penalty trials are typically longer, more expensive, with multiple appeals; sometimes cost more than life imprisonment without parole.

Host Niall talks with former election candidate Elaine Mullay about a developing trend overseas — in the Netherlands there's a push to introduce laws that would give people a legal right to work remotely (or at least from home), under certain conditions. They’ll explore whether Ireland should follow suit. What are the benefits? What are the pitfalls? What does Ireland currently allow, and what might new laws look like? Niall and Elaine also invite listeners to call in with their own opinions and experiences: do you favour a legal requirement, or should remote work remain at employer discretion?

What’s Happening: Netherlands vs Ireland

Netherlands:

The Netherlands has been considering amendments to its Flexible Working Act (“Wet flexibel werken”) to strengthen employees’ rights to request working from home / remote work.

Under current law, employees who have worked for an employer for a certain period (≈ 26 weeks) may make requests to adjust working location/hours etc., and employers must consider these requests. But the law does not yet give an automatic, unconditional right.

IamExpat in the Netherlands

There was a proposed bill sometimes called “Work Where You Want Act”. It would have made employers more strictly obliged to allow working from home when feasible or else justify denying requests. But that Senate rejected this Act in 2023.

Host Niall is joined by restaurateur and social commentator Paul Trayvaud as the presidential race begins to take shape. With three candidates already declared and two more hopefuls scrambling for nominations from TDs, Senators, or local councils, the conversation turns to a bigger constitutional question:

Should the Irish president remain a largely ceremonial figure—or should the office hold real executive power?

At present, the Irish president has very limited authority: signing bills into law, representing the nation abroad, and acting as a moral and cultural figurehead. Unlike presidents in countries such as the United States or France, the Irish head of state does not set policy or wield executive decision-making power.

Niall and Paul weigh up the arguments:

Pros of Expanding Power:

A president directly elected by the people could provide stronger democratic legitimacy.

Greater executive authority could allow the president to act as a counterbalance to government and political parties.

In times of crisis, a powerful president could respond quickly without being tied to parliamentary gridlock.

Cons of Expanding Power:

Ireland’s parliamentary system could be destabilised by a strong presidential office.

Concentrating executive power in a single individual risks authoritarianism.

The current ceremonial model avoids political partisanship and preserves the role as a unifying national figure.

Should Ireland rethink the role of the presidency—or does its symbolic and ceremonial function make it stronger in its own right?