Opinions Matter with Adrian & Jeremy

Opinions Matter with Adrian & Jeremy

Opinions Matter is the brainchild of award-winning broadcasters Adrian Kennedy and Jeremy Dixon. On each episode the lads will debate the big stories of the day, highlight listener concerns, local issues and discuss the weird and wacky stuff going on in their lives
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Episode's summary

The hosts of Opinions Matter debate the changing attitudes in Ireland towards Ukrainian refugees, weighing the humanitarian needs of those fleeing war against domestic pressures on Irish housing and healthcare. The discussion features heated exchanges between hosts and callers regarding state spending, the allocation of national resources, and whether the country's welcoming nature is diminishing. The episode involves intense personal confrontations over empathy and the perceived economic burden on Irish citizens. The debate becomes highly contentious during a phone call with a listener named Marika, leading to arguments about government responsibility, censorship, and the ability to handle opposing narratives.

Chapters

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Highlights

I saw the news today about Ukrainians being refused temporary protection and I'm absolutely disgusted by the horrible comments from Irish people saying they shouldn't be allowed to stay here.

00:01:10 · A listener named Derek shares his outrage regarding the perceived decline in compassion toward Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.

I would rather see that money, you know, that's been given to health workers and stuff going into our healthcare system or our education system.

00:03:34 · Adrian argues that financial resources should be prioritized for domestic infrastructure like healthcare and education instead of foreign support.

At what point, guys, at what point did we decide that somebody else's suffering was the answer to our problems?

00:13:18 · A caller named Joseph challenges the hosts' argument by questioning why domestic struggles are being used to justify ignoring the plight of those in war zones.

We cannot call ourselves a welcoming country until someone becomes inconvenient.

00:29:06 · The speaker criticizes the perceived shift in Ireland's hospitality toward refugees when domestic issues arise.

One, Ukraine did not ask for this war. Two, whatever the Irish government has chosen to give to Ukrainians or any non-Irish, that's the government's fault, not the fault of Ukrainians or anybody else.

00:42:07 · A caller named Marika attempts to shift responsibility from refugees to the Irish government regarding resource distribution.

Episodes

4927-

"I'm Ashamed To Be Irish Over How We've Turned Against Ukrainians In Need"

The hosts of Opinions Matter debate the changing attitudes in Ireland towards Ukrainian refugees, weighing the humanitarian needs of those fleeing war against domestic pressures on Irish housing and healthcare. The discussion features heated exchanges between hosts and callers regarding state spending, the allocation of national resources, and whether the country's welcoming nature is diminishing. The episode involves intense personal confrontations over empathy and the perceived economic burden on Irish citizens. The debate becomes highly contentious during a phone call with a listener named Marika, leading to arguments about government responsibility, censorship, and the ability to handle opposing narratives.

27 Oct 2026
4926-

Opinions Matter EXTRA – Get it Off Your Chest - Ep. 86

In this episode of Opinions Matter, titled 'Get It Off Your Chest', Adrian and Jeremy engage in unedited banter ranging from their shared dislike for Guinness to bizarre discoveries found in a car's glove compartment. The hosts navigate through comedic tangents involving childhood memories, critiques of modern baby names, and the complexities of social class. The conversation further explores personal anecdotes about household items, the merits of homemade food versus restaurant dining, and a detailed debate on the perfect lasagna ratio. The episode concludes with reflections on personal achievements and the irony of winning a serious journalism award while discussing absurd topics.

24 Oct 2026
4925-

A Dublin School Has Banned Kids From Wearing "Scary-Triggering" Halloween Costumes

The hosts and callers debate whether schools should restrict scary Halloween costumes and props to protect children with sensory issues or autism. The discussion explores the tension between maintaining Halloween traditions and ensuring an inclusive, safe environment for all students. The conversation also addresses the role of parents in selecting horror-themed costumes for young children and the safety concerns regarding props like fake weapons. While some argue that the issue lies specifically with dangerous accessories rather than outfits, others contend that age-appropriate boundaries are necessary to prevent anxiety and physical altercations.

23 Oct 2026
4924-

Victim of Child Sexual Abuse Supports Controversial Grandparents Consent Advert

The hosts and callers debate a controversial Dublin Rape Crisis Centre campaign video on consent, which was removed following criticism from the Minister for Justice. The discussion explores whether the advertisement's depiction of grandparents is demeaning or an essential lesson in bodily autonomy. Through personal accounts, including a caller sharing her experience of grooming, the episode examines the implications of teaching children to set physical boundaries with family members. The debate covers the effectiveness of such messaging and its impact on parenting and social perceptions of safety.

22 Oct 2026
4923-

Woman Who Knows Waterford House Fire Victims Says "All Drug Users Have Blood On Their Hands"

The hosts discuss the tragic deaths of an English family from County Waterford, exploring the connection between drug debt and gang violence. The discussion examines whether recreational drug users are complicit in funding criminal organizations and the resulting violence. The speakers debate the ethical responsibility of drug users, arguing that purchasing illegal drugs directly funds violent criminal networks and the exploitation of vulnerable children. The conversation also compares the impact of drug trafficking to other black markets, such as illegal cigarettes and counterfeit goods.

21 Oct 2026