Latest news with #HotAir
The Spinoff
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Spinoff
Where do I send conservatives the bill for climate change?
In the 40 years since the world was first alerted to climate change, right-wingers have consistently been the ones most opposed to doing anything about it. And if there's one thing that conservatives like, it's personal responsibility. It seems almost impossible to believe, but until two years ago New Zealand's most expensive weather-related event, from an insurance point of view, was a big hailstorm in Timaru that cost $170 million. Now, of course, things happen at 10x magnification. The Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle each led to insured losses of around $2 billion. And – here's a cheerful thought – such events will only become more frequent and more expensive, as the planet heats and the atmosphere comes to hold more moisture. Which leads, inexorably, to my current preoccupation: where do I send conservatives the bill for climate change? In just one news bulletin this morning, two instances of soaring climate-change-related costs: the bill for repairing roads after the terrible Tasman floods is around $1 million every two days, and the damage those floods did to agriculture will drive up vegetable prices around the country. Yesterday a homeowner was on RNZ's Morning Report lamenting a landslip that had caused massive damage to their house: another cost. After each major flood, public bodies have to repair bridges, community halls, communication infrastructure, and so on: yet more costs. Heatwaves, too, cause droughts and losses to farmers: cost upon cost. Where, then, do I send conservatives the bill? Some will try to argue that weather is just weather: floods, cyclones and droughts have always happened. But the scientific consensus is clear: climate change makes all these events much worse. It renders them more likely to happen and, when they do happen, more devastating. A couple of years ago scientists, using a methodology called extreme event attribution, calculated that climate change was costing the globe $16 million an hour, and was set to cost up to $3.1 trillion – that's right, trillion – a year by 2050, as hurricanes, floods and heatwaves all worsen. Here at home, scientists in 2018 estimated that climate change had already caused at least $840 million worth of damage in a decade, and in truth probably much more than that. The Treasury, meanwhile, has calculated that climate change's worsening of extreme weather events could cost the state 3.8% of GDP by 2061, while GDP itself could be around 1% lower. Governments, families and firms will all have to spend billions of dollars repairing totally avoidable damage. Clearly, then, there is a bill to be paid. So where are the conservatives stepping up to accept it? I ask this because, for the 40 years since the world was first alerted to climate change, right-wingers have consistently been the ones most opposed to doing anything about it. As the documentary Hot Air reveals, in the early 1990s Simon Upton, the minister for the environment, wanted to introduce a carbon tax, but was thwarted by the likes of the New Zealand Initiative – in its former guise as the Business Roundtable – bringing in climate deniers to disrupt the debate. As Upton explains in the documentary, one of the Roundtable's 'experts' claimed that addressing climate change was a form of social engineering akin to – wait for it – eugenics. 'My eyebrows raised at that point,' says Upton, who tried to push on regardless. But this lobbying, allied to the usual right-wing campaigns by business and farming interests, derailed his well-laid plans. It could be argued that left-wing governments haven't always had a great record on climate change: emissions rose under Helen Clark, for instance. But her government did introduce the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and if she didn't go further, it was substantially because of opposition from – you guessed it – the right. Remember National MP Shane Ardern driving a tractor up parliament steps to protest against the ETS? That's the story of this issue, over and over: left-wing governments trying to do more in the teeth of right-wing opposition, and right-wing governments doing very little despite being urged to do more by left-wing ones. I return, then, to my theme: where do I send conservatives the bill? New Zealand right-wingers might argue that their actions, however unhelpful, have been essentially irrelevant, given that virtually all globe-heating emissions are created offshore. And that's fair enough. They can forward on a big piece of the bill to World Conservative Headquarters, which I imagine as a large and imposing edifice, albeit crumbling around the edges and with some increasingly lunatic fringing. I'm happy, in short, for Kiwi conservatives to pass on part of the bill – just as long as I know where to send it in the first place. Domestic right-wingers might feel this argument is a bit too sweeping. Hashtag Not All Conservatives, etc. And that's true, up to a point. Just look at Upton: he was a conservative, and doing his best. Ditto, at different times, Guy Salmon, Todd Muller and the like. It's such a shame, then, that – to reprise the old joke about lawyers – 95% of conservatives are giving the remaining 5% a bad name. There's a great irony here, in that conservatives are supposed to be strong in a couple of areas, including – you know – conserving things (the planet, for instance). Saving money, too. But although the costs of mitigating climate change have always been vastly lower than the costs of not doing so, this point has somehow eluded the ostensible fiscal conservatives among us. If there's one thing that I know conservatives like, though, it's personal responsibility. They're always talking about the costs that 'feckless' poor people impose on the rest of us, constantly attacking left-wing governments for treating taxpayers 'like an ATM'. And so, as the Tasman region reels from the devastation, as hundreds of homes are flooded each year, and as we face the prospect of this fiscal picture deteriorating with each passing decade, I'm sure that everyone on the right who has ever opposed or downplayed the need for climate action will step forward to take responsibility. And then, at last, I might know where to send the bill.
Irish Independent
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Philip Boucher-Hayes says there are ‘five wannabes' in running to become Liveline host, ‘myself included'
The presenter, who is currently filling in on the show since Joe Duffy's departure from the station last month, joked that Montrose bosses were putting the five contenders 'through their paces' as they vie for the role. He told listeners: "For the avoidance of further confusion, let us set it out once again: RTÉ has not made a decision on this. "There are five wannabes, myself included; in fact probably a hell of a lot more than five wannabes, but there are five wannabes being put through their paces on air before RTÉ makes a decision. 'After that, we will move to the swimwear and ball gown elements of the competition. I think I've got that section nailed down. I want to though, because in the final round is the Hunger Games, they will be placing a big cache of non-lethal weapons under the RTÉ mast and letting us all race to them, grab your preferred weapon and have at it. 'And everybody is hoping, by that stage of the competition, that Sarah McInerney has been taken out because she is very handy with the nunchucks, but the news is no decision made. "Well, maybe they have made a decision after my first week in the chair. But let's leave that aside there is officially no decision made, so on with the show.' Other frontrunners rumoured to be taking over the gig include Sarah McInerney's Drivetime co-host Cormac Ó hEadhra, regular Liveline stand-in, Katie Hannon, and Saturday show presenter, Colm O'Mongáin, Boucher-Hayes is filling in on show for two weeks, and admitted it was a 'daunting' position to fill. In his first show, after Duffy's retirement, the Countrywide presenter urged Liveline listeners to be 'kind' while the permanent host of the show is being decided. He said: "This is actually quite daunting, but Philip, just get on with it and get to the calls, because nothing else has changed about this programme. The number is the same, the production team is the same.' "Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Philip Boucher Hayes. Be kind people,' he added. Joe Duffy retired at the end of June, after being at the helm of the show for 27 years. An audience was present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final Liveline show, including past callers and former colleagues. In his final sign off, he said: 'Slán go foill. That's all from me from Liveline. Love you all, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege." Kildare-born Boucher-Hayes lives in Wicklow with Suzanne and their two daughters. He presents Countrywide on Saturday mornings and the Hot Mess podcast, both on RTÉ Radio One. His television work includes Rising Tides, Hot Air and Future Shock: The Last Drop on RTÉ.
Irish Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
The contenders to be next Liveline host amid search for Joe Duffy's replacement
With Brenda Donohue hoping to shake things up as she confesses she would love to replace Joe Duffy and host Liveline, we look at who is in the running for the most in demand job at RTE. The Liveline host was one of a kind and finding a new Joe is a tough task for RTE bosses. We look at those who will take turns at the mic for the next few weeks, as well as some other dark horses, such as Brenda, Daithi O' Se and Andrea Gilligan - and the woman being tipped as most likely for the hot seat: Katie Hannon. They'd need a mix of humour, common touch, and current affairs knowledge. RTE bosses are testing out Drivetime duo Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra, regular Liveline stand-in Katie Hannon, Saturday show presenter Colm Ó Mongáin, and Countrywide host Philip Boucher-Hayes. What's in their backgrounds that qualifies them for the key spot, and what are their strengths - and weaknesses - that will be considered in the final say. Brenda could be the dark horse. She's been a reporter for over 30 years after she joined The Gerry Ryan Show shortly after the late DJ landed the gig. She was his roving reporter for 18 years. Her TV and radio credits also include Countrywide, The Today Show, Celebrity Banisteoir and The Afternoon Show. Brenda told us: 'Am I going to put an expression of interest in like half the country is for the job? Yes. I will. 'I talk to people. I like people. They are the things that are going for me. I spent all my life talking to people. Hearing their ups and downs. I love all that. 'But it is a hard show. It is really tough.' The presenter reportedly 'ticks the boxes'. Sources previously told the Irish Mail on Sunday that Ó Mongáin 'has made a seriously good impression in here so his name keeps popping up. 'While not as well known, Colm is making a great fist at his weekend show, so there's the thinking that a relatively new name would be best to take Liveline into the future.' The presenter is currently filling in for two weeks after Joe left the station on Friday, June 27. His dulcet tones are warming to listeners at the moment as he asks people to 'be kind' as he takes over the hot seat temporarily, while admitting hosting Liveline is 'quite daunting'. Since October 2022, he's been the host of Countrywide on RTE Radio 1, and continues to present documentary series on climate, food, and consumer affairs (Hot Air, Buyer Beware!, What Are You Eating?) The everyman from Kerry has also remained popular amongst viewers as co-host of RTE's Today Show. The Rose of Tralee host is best known for co-hosting the daily chat show, alongside Maura Derrane and Sinéad Kennedy. He also has a strong background in Irish-language broadcasting, having worked extensively with TG4. He's a bookies favourite at 3/1 to take the iconic slot on Radio One with Ladbrokes. Newstalk host Andrea's name was among those thrown into the mix. But the star played down wanting to move to RTE, saying: 'It's a lovely honour to hear my name in the mix among so many fantastic, amazing broadcasters. But my focus is very much on my own show.' With RTE announcing they have axed her Monday night current affairs show, Upfront With Katie Hannon, heads have turned to see if Katie is the likely successor to the show. She previously hosted Liveline when Joe was on annual leave or busy presenting The Meaning of Life, so audiences are already used to the presenter if she is the chosen one to take over the reins. The ex-2FM star had previously told us you'd be 'mad not to consider' the job but has since done a U-turn and told Oliver Callan she has 'absolutely no interest' in the job. She's no stranger to call ins though, after working for ten years at the helm of her own 2FM show. Newstalk's Ciara Kelly has highlighted her credentials in the race to replace Joe Duffy - but knows the veteran broadcaster will be an 'extremely hard act to follow'. The Newstalk Breakfast host is one of several names in the running to take the Liveline hot seat Asked about the prospect of going solo after five years presenting as a duo with Shane Coleman, Kelly pointed out she did three years on Lunchtime Live - 'the Newstalk equivalent' to Liveline - before taking the morning slot. The former GP told the Irish Mail on Sunday: 'I did the first ever interactive radio show on Newstalk. 'I took over from George Hook in that slot and grew the audience very nicely. So yes, I did do that role, and it went well actually.' Remaining coy as to whether she has been approached by RTÉ, the former Operation Transformation contributor said she 'couldn't possibly say anything about any of that.'
Extra.ie
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Who is Philip Boucher-Hayes? Liveline's temporary replacement
As RTE's iconic broadcaster Joe Duffy bows out after an incredible 27 years hosting Liveline, it seems someone else is ready to jump in the hot seat. Acclaimed broadcaster Philip Boucher‑Hayes is taking over the coveted job, at least for the first week of the post‑Duffy era, as RTÉ begins its search for a permanent successor. Here's an in-depth look at the Irish journalist and why he's the natural choice during this pivotal moment in Irish radio. As RTE's iconic broadcaster Joe Duffy bows out after an incredible 27 years hosting Liveline, it seems someone else is ready to jump in the hot seat. Pic: Ruth Medjber Born in County Kildare in 1971, Philip went on to study History and Politics at UCD. He then launched his journalism career writing for local newspapers in 1987, before joining RTE in 1993 when he began reporting on RTE Radio 1's Five Seven Live and RTE 2FM's The Gerry Ryan Show. Since October 2022, he's been the host of Countrywide on RTE Radio 1, and continues to present documentary series on climate, food, and consumer affairs (Hot Air, Buyer Beware!, What Are You Eating?) Acclaimed broadcaster Philip Boucher‑Hayes is taking over the coveted job, at least for the first week of the post‑Duffy era, as RTÉ begins its search for a permanent successor. Pic: RTE An occasional stand‑in presenter for Liveline long before Duffy's retirement, it's clear Philip brings credibility and a measured approach to the phone‑in format As for his personal life, Philip lives in County Wicklow with his wife, author Suzanne Campbell, and their two daughters. The broadcaster rarely opens up about his private life, having briefly spoken on his family after his wife fell ill after contracting Covid 19. Joe Duffy presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda In a piece for RTE, Philip said she was still 'struggling to get back to full health three-and-a-half months later.' 'And to add to the injustice while she ended up in hospital, apart from a loss of smell, the girls and I had a pretty much symptom-free experience of the disease. 'I make light of it now, but it was a scary and disconcerting time. The news from outside was grim. And what was going on behind our front door confirmed that the world had turned bad.'
New York Times
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
2 Middle-Aged Couples, a Hot-Air Balloon Crash and Many Bad Decisions
Marcy Dermansky's new novel, 'Hot Air,' begins with a hot-air balloon falling out of the sky and into a suburban swimming pool. The tech billionaire piloting the balloon, Jonathan Foster, is dumped out of the basket head first, and a bystander — our unlucky protagonist, Joanie, who is in the middle of a first date — dives in to save him. The billionaire's wife, Julia, alights to dry land safely, aided by Joanie's date, Johnny. To recap: The four main characters are named Joanie, Johnny, Jonathan and Julia, for reasons I could not discern. These names, and the novel's pared-down, childlike prose, give the book, Dermansky's sixth, the feel of a nursery rhyme, despite some of the adult subject matter (notably, swinging). After Joanie determines that the tuxedoed billionaire does not need CPR, she realizes that she recognizes him: 'from the news, yes, but also from sleep-away camp, a long time ago.' He was her first kiss, it turns out, and (unlike her first kiss with Johnny, which has been interrupted by the balloon's arrival) 'it had been a good kiss, even — Joanie had felt her skin tingle.' But afterward he'd cruelly ignored her for the rest of the summer, then disappeared from her life. If the multiple coincidences of this opening set up expectations for an antic, high-energy comic novel, readers will be surprised to find that what follows is mostly interior and meandering. The inverted structure is thrilling in concept — the climactic crash comes first, and the rest of the story is aftermath — but it can feel slack in execution, reading at times like protracted denouement. Following their abrupt introduction, the two couples change into sweats, drink wine and sit around Johnny's pool discussing a partner swap. 'Do you remember,' Julia asks, 'back in the '70s, how our parents used to have key parties?' It's the tail end of the pandemic, and they are all relearning how to socialize, weighing what they want from life, romantically and professionally. The close third-person narration alternates among these four characters, as well as Joanie's 8-year-old daughter, Lucy, and Jonathan's 20-something personal assistant, Vivian, whom the Fosters think of as 'their Vietnamese orphan.' But the novel's emotional core is the melancholic Joanie, a failed writer with a 'not-that-fancy apartment' and a couch mended with duct tape: 'She had published a novel, but that was years ago; the advance was spent, the royalty checks smaller each time.' While the adults decide whom to sleep with, Lucy longs to go to Harry Potter Land and Vivian considers leaving her claustrophobic life in the Fosters' guesthouse. When careful, put-upon Joanie makes a bad decision at last — 'the stupidest but also the most exciting thing she had done in a long time' — it results in the most interesting scene in the novel. Dermansky's books have an appealing unpredictability. Her most recent novel, 'Hurricane Girl' (2022), follows a woman who has escaped an abusive boyfriend only to have her house blown down in a hurricane. Later, a cameraman for a local news station bashes her over the head with a vase, giving her a traumatic brain injury. As in 'Hot Air,' the plot bucks narrative convention and leans on the absurdities of repeated names and implausible coincidences. 'Hurricane Girl' succeeds by juxtaposing the childlike surface with violence and real consequences. By contrast, the stakes of 'Hot Air' feel low: Will Julia, a famous philanthropist who is unable to have children of her own, take Lucy to Harry Potter Land? Will Vivian quit her job to get an M.F.A.? Jonathan's plan to have her instead take private writing lessons from Joanie fizzles when Vivian refuses: 'This is not like learning the piano. I told you already, I'm applying to graduate school.' Even the problem of the balloon in the swimming pool, which you have to figure is a worst-case scenario for a pool owner, is dispensed with frictionlessly. Who cares about plot or stakes if the book is funny enough, stylish enough, subversive enough? 'Hot Air' has plenty of quirky style and humor. Dermansky lands some funny jabs, especially at Harry Potter. In one section, Julia refers to the Rainforest Cafe as a 'contemporary version of hell, comparable to Hogwarts.' But the book's revelations hew closely to what is already well known: that billionaires are awful, that theme parks are hot and loud, that raising children is more difficult than it might appear. The prosaic language is sometimes funny but sometimes trite. A character 'turned beet red' in embarrassment. Narrating the balloon crash, Joanie notes with curious flatness: 'It was crazy.' Inwardly admiring his assistant, Jonathan observes, 'She had that pretty, pretty shiny silky hair.' 'Hot Air' is a novel of sex, class and envy. Juicy topics to be sure, but it's all a little deflated.
