On today’s episode, Niall is joined by Aontu Peadar Tóibín and Councillor Noel Thomas from Indepoendent Ireland to break down one of the most disruptive weeks Ireland has seen in years, as nationwide fuel protests brought the country to a standstill.

For six days, farmers, hauliers and contractors blockaded roads, ports and even the State’s only oil refinery, triggering fuel shortages and forcing the Government into emergency action. In response, a €500 million plus support package was announced, including a 10c per litre cut in petrol and diesel, a reduction on green diesel, and a delay to planned carbon tax increases.

But the big question is, did the protests actually achieve anything?

Some protest organisers say they forced the Government’s hand, while ministers insist they were never negotiating and warn the blockades crossed a dangerous line, threatening national supply and emergency services.

Niall asks Peadar Tóibín:

Was this a victory for ordinary working people or just a temporary sticking plaster?

Did the Government mishandle the situation from the start by refusing to engage?

And with a motion of no confidence now looming, is this genuine political pressure or just another pointless exercise that changes nothing?

With public opinion split, fuel still recovering, and political tensions rising, this conversation gets to the heart of whether this week changed anything at all, or whether Ireland is heading straight back to the same crisis.

As always, Niall wants to hear from you:

Did the protests work, or was it all for nothing?

On today’s episode, Niall opens the lines on one of the most divisive issues facing Ireland right now, the legalisation of cannabis.

Across the world, there is a growing movement towards decriminalisation, with countries pointing to research, real world trials and regulation as a better alternative to outright bans. Supporters argue that prohibition has failed, handing control of the market to criminal gangs while doing little to stop usage. They say legalisation could bring regulation, tax revenue, quality control, and even medical benefits, with some claiming cannabis helps with chronic pain, anxiety and other conditions.

But not everyone is convinced.

Critics warn that cannabis is not harmless. They point to risks including psychosis, anxiety, memory problems, slower reaction times and the potential long term impact on mental health. There are also concerns about respiratory issues when smoked, increased usage among young people, and whether legalisation would normalise drug use in society.

So where does the truth lie?

Is it time for Ireland to follow other countries and legalise cannabis for personal use, or would that open the door to more harm than good?

Niall hears from callers on both sides of the debate, those who believe legalisation is long overdue, and those who say it would be a dangerous mistake.

As always, the lines are open.

Should Ireland legalise cannabis, yes or no?

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by Senator Sharon Keogan to discuss the rollout of the EU Digital ID, now being trialled in Ireland and expected by many to be introduced more widely during Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency.

The idea is simple on the surface, one secure digital wallet holding everything from your birth certificate and passport to banking details and healthcare records, all accessible from your phone. Supporters say it’s the future, a convenient, streamlined way to manage your identity in an increasingly digital world.

But not everyone is convinced.

Critics warn that what starts as voluntary could quickly become essential, raising serious concerns about privacy, surveillance, and control. Some fear it could eventually be used to monitor spending or behaviour, drawing comparisons to social credit systems seen elsewhere.

So where do you stand?

Niall and Senator Keogan break down the pros and cons, asking whether this is a step forward in convenience or a step too far in control.

Would you trust a Digital ID with your most personal information? And even if it starts as voluntary, do you believe it will stay that way?

Have your say. Will you be using the EU Digital ID?