The Business RTÉ

A new study suggests that Irish workers may be among the least productive in Europe, challenging our national pride in productivity. Have multinationals misled us about our efficiency? We’re joined by Dr. Tom McDonnell, co-director of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, who is conducting this study with trade union SIPTU.

Our next guest, Edward Luce, Financial Times US National Editor, warns of troubling times ahead if Donald Trump wins the next US Presidential election. He believes Europe and the EU should be particularly concerned about the potential impact of another Trump presidency.

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Mike Corcoran, an Irishman on a mission in Ukraine. Starting as an apprentice in Ireland, he moved to America, became an Olympic athlete, and built a prosthetics business with a $23-27 million turnover. Now, his business spans 13 countries. Recently, he’s been aiding Ukrainian soldiers.

Bruce Springsteen has been touring Ireland with three-hour gigs, wowing audiences. Freelance arts journalist Pat Carty believes we all could learn valuable lessons from The Boss.

Hugh McAllister Sr. started in coal, then ventured into barbering, relocating from Belfast to Dublin. His sons, Hugh and Conor, expanded the business from barber shops in Belfast and Ballyfermot to numerous franchises, known as Grafton Barbers. Hugh McAllister joins us to share the family's rich history in both barbering and business.

Jane Ohlmeyer, Prof of Modern History at TCD, uncovers the remarkable tale of Catherine Strong, an Irish woman who dominated Dublin's waste industry in the 1600s. Discovered through the Voices project, which utilizes AI to explore women's experiences in Ireland from the 1500s to 1700s, Catherine's story sheds light on overlooked historical figures.