Category: Highland Radio Interviews

6th February 2026 Highland Radio Broadcast

As we head towards Spring, the show opened with a discussion on the showbiz case very much to the fore in the Belfast High Court in the week gone by between Switzer Consulting Limited and Michael Flatley, the Lord of the Dance Creator. It seems that an agreement with Switzer Consulting Ltd that they were to receive a management fee in respect of the production of the show at a multitude of venues across Europe and the USA has unravelled and the parties are now polarised and in particular Michael Flatey’s continuing involvement in it. Our contributor Seamus Gunn outlined the background and the various different injunction applications to initially prohibit Michael Flatley’s involvement in the 30th Anniversary Show scheduled for the 3 Arena on the 5th being reversed last Friday by the High Court, only to prompt Switzer Consulting to then announce that the show was to be cancelled earlier in the week. This triggered a further application to the High Court to guarantee that the show would proceed. Greg Hughes enquired as to how the relationship had broken down and Gunn said that it was being alleged by Switzer Limited that they had reservations about the promoter’s financial standing and his reputation within the industry among promoters in respect of discharging his financial responsibilities. Following a counter application by Switzer Consulting Limited an agreement was reached whereby undertakings were given that they would provide the stage, set and costumes for the show at the 3 Arena in Dublin on the basis that they would be returned to them the following day. Our contribution Seamus Gunn was of the view that this matter has some way to go to be resolved but, in the meantime, Michael Flatley appeared at the 3 Arena at the opening of the Lord of the Dance to great applause when he stated “It has been a rocky road to Dublin”. More to come on this no doubt. 

A wide and varied Q&A followed that can be listened to below:

9th January 2026 Highland Radio Broadcast

At the start of a New Year, new season and new Greg Hughes Show format Seamus Gunn opened the discussion on the USA‘s recent activities in Venezuela and also referenced the incident in Minneapolis which resulted in the death of Renee Good on Wednesday of this week, who was shot by an ICE agent which has caused consternation in the state of Minnesota. He said that it was difficult to know what the US agenda was going forward as he reminded listeners of the UN Charter signed in 1945 in San Francisco where the members signed up to a Treaty to maintain world order, particularly referencing the use of force on another State in the context of the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by US special agents last weekend and in particular how this has not been called out by many of the leading European powers who have not been unequivocal in its condemnation. He pointed out that it was accepted by the UN that force could be used in circumstances such as self-defence or when authorised by the security council, neither of which applied in this instance. 

He thought that the threat of using force to acquire Greenland could also amount to a breach of the UN Charter. Gunn’s apprehension was the erosion of International Law and the double standards that were now being applied. He wondered what interest the US President had in Greenland as he already has extensive military facilities under a Treaty from the early 1950s. The perceived threat from China and Russia seemed somewhat extreme. The attraction of precious minerals may not be that practical in light of the cost of extraction. 

Greg Hughes made the pertinent point that despite the Venezuelan incident, the stock markets had remained very stable. Our contributor Seamus Gunn thought that this went further than stock markets in that for many decades Europe had placed too much reliance on the US for defence and now could not afford to lose it. He opined as to whether Trump’s foreign policy was to deflect serious issues within the US itself. 

No doubt there will be more to follow as the year progresses.

The first Q&A of the year can be listened to below:

5th December 2025 Highland Radio Broadcast

As the Curtain falls on the Nine Til Noon Show for 2025, our contributor Seamus Gunn opened this morning on the topic of the ongoing peace initiative in Ukraine referencing the comparison in history to “Peace for our time” when Neville Chamberlain returned from Munich in 1938 having come to an agreement with Adolf Hitler over Germany’s accession of part of what was then Czechoslovakia and what transpired as a result. Gunn said it was remarkable that history was now repeating itself, referencing Vladamir Putin’s move into Ukraine in February 2022 and his forceful incursion into 20% of the country to date. Greg Hughes brought up the point that pre-2022 there were significant issues between Russia and Ukraine and that Russia would maintain that they are only protecting their property rights in annexing what they claim to be rightfully theirs. Gunn thought that the current peace initiative had many strands and significant areas in which agreement would be extremely difficult as the Russians were insisting on Ukraine not pursuing their NATO Membership, reducing their armed forces to 300,000 and that they be allowed to retain as their own, property in the area currently controlled by it in Ukraine and the whole of the Donbas region. Greg Hughes mentioned about the war mongers in Europe and following the money to which our contributor responded that there was circa € 300 Billion in a frozen assist fund, mostly in Belgium, that Europe wanted to put towards reparations in Ukraine while the US see this fund as potential for it being used to invest in Russia which would ultimately be for the benefit of both super powers. While talks continue, Gunn made the point that this was in the backdrop of not only populations being displaced but thousands of children being deported to areas such as North Korea to indoctrinate them in their beliefs which he said in 2023 resulted in the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for Mr. Putin and his commissioner. 

As we approach the end of 2025 and 4 years of war, peace remains evasive. 

The Q&A that followed is available to listen to below.. 

Season’s Greetings to all our clients and listeners. 

Highland Radio Broadcast 3rd October 2025

Coming from a stormy North West this morning Donal Kavanagh was sitting in for Greg Hughes on the 9 to Noon Show and Seamus Gunn, our contributor, highlighted the progress or lack thereof of the Sumud Flotilla of which 42 of the 43 boats sailing to Gaza have been apprehended and brought ashore in Israel where upwards of 500 individuals sailing on the humanitarian mission are likely to be subject to deportation orders. He was of the opinion that their detention is illegal and was also in contravention of Maritime Law as they should have been allowed a safe passage in international waters, in this case the Mediterranean. Gunn reminded his host that in 2024 Israel’s occupation of Gaza was deemed illegal by the International Court and that the ICC had also issued a warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. He said that while there was one boat, the Marinette continuing, it was likely to meet this same fate. He said that their detention was also in contravention of International Law, pointing out that they would likely be asked to admit that they entered Israel illegally before deportation proceedings went ahead. Gunn in his contribution emphasised that unfortunately International Law and Maritime Law has not been upheld, and the Sumud Flotilla was to highlight the inactivity on the part of governments around the world to address the ongoing atrocities occurring on an hourly, daily and weekly basis in Gaza which was continuing unabated. 

He also referenced the Peace Plan being put forward and made the point that without Palestinian involvement he thought that this was the elephant in the room and that a lot more would have to be teased out before this would come to fruition, but he hoped that it could be further developed as an avenue towards peace. In relation to the Flotilla, he said that it was well named as those involved were steadfast in their perseverance in the face of immense adversity. He referenced that it was highly unlikely that this would be the end of the Flotilla attempts to gain access and to open the maritime route for the people in Gaza. 

The Q&A that followed may be of interest to some and can be listened to below.

Highland Radio Broadcast 5th September 2025

The first show of the Autumn season kicked off today with the spotlight being shone on the Sumud Flotilla sailing from Barcelona on a humanitarian mission to lift the siege in Gaza, where the United Nations has declared a state of famine and over half a million people are facing catastrophic conditions. One of the leading participants is Gretta Thunberg, the climate activist with many other known personalities highlighting their frustration with the lack of action being taken by governments across the world to address the horrific conditions and the plight of the Palestinians. Seamus Gunn said that what he was drawn to was the consensus that was shared among all participating that this was a humanitarian mission to raise the awareness in the eyes of the world as to what was happening in Palestine in full view of everyone. He made the point that it had not attracted the media attention that he would have considered it did merit in the last couple of days while Greg Hughes thought that this could be as a result of the participants now flying a different flag than the one that they were known for. Gunn thought otherwise, he said that he was of the view that a mission such as this was apolitical regardless of who was leading it, the cause was shared by many and needed to be supported, regardless of the outcome. Greg Hughes, while accepting Gunn’s point on the reason behind the movement, drew comparisons to other parts of the world, mentioning Yemen and Sudan, making the very reasonable argument that the atrocities and famine that was taking place in these countries deserved similar attention but were being ignored. Our contributor was in agreement with this, bringing in Syria and Ukraine, he said that he thought that there was an element of appeasement that had come into play in world politics in that the big powers such as USA, China, Russia; dictated the media emphasis and as Europe was dependent on the USA and as Donald Trump was supporting Israel there was an obvious conflict arising hence Gaza was not being called out for what it was or what it is. He said that he thought the Flotilla demonstrated that there were many people, himself included, who did despair at the lack of activity among governments in the world to move constructively in this area and to bring to bear some stability and peace but unfortunately, they all seemed to be pursuing their own agendas. 

This lively exchange can be listened to below with the Q&A that followed.

Highland Radio Broadcast 4th July, 2025

The last show before the summer recess aired this morning with Michaela Clarke sitting in for Greg Hughes when the big hip-hop case from the USA was discussed at the opening with our contributor Seamus Gunn. He took the view that there was a stark contrast between the Defence team after the verdict was announced and subsequently when the accused Sean (“Diddy”) Combs was refused bail having been convicted of 2 prostitution counts but acquitted on the more serious 3 counts of racketeering, conspiracy and sex trafficking. On enquiring as to the rationale for declining bail for the Defendant, Seamus Gunn was of the opinion that this was as a result of the allegation by the prosecution that he was still a danger and would be at large giving that it was claimed that he had assaulted one of the victims going under the pseudo name of Jane in June 2024, while this investigation was ongoing. His demeanour was referenced by the host, putting forward the view that with the grey hair he was not a person that would be giving to the type of activity of which he was accused, trying to portray him as someone who was aged and not of violent tendencies. Seamus Gunn was of the other view that while it was all optics, that it was the evidence that was before the court that resulted in the convictions of the 2 counts of prostitution but that the Defence of consensual participation by those involved stood up to some degree in the conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. He thought it likely that an appeal would follow and he also referenced a significant number, upwards of 50 civil actions that were in the pipeline. On the sentence our contributor was of the view that 3-5 years may apply while the prosecution would likely be looking for 10 years. He thought that there would be a renewed application for bail as soon as the sentence had been handed down and an appeal lodged. This case would seem to be far from over and is likely to be back in the public domain in the coming months. 

A very topical and varied Q&A followed, all of which can be listened to below:

Highland Radio Broadcast 6th June 2025 – AI, Fake News & Social Media

As we approach the halfway point of the year, the ever-increasing presence of AI on media platforms opened the show this morning with our contributor Seamus Gunn referencing the unusual spectacle of the French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Vietnam when his wife was seen to push him before disembarking his presidential aircraft. Gunn thought that it was interesting not for the spectacle itself, which was no doubt embarrassing, but for the initial reaction from the Élysée Palace, who’s spokesperson suggested that this was generated by AI. This claim was later clarified after the video in its entirety was published, when they then acknowledged that the footage was genuine and Macron described it as he and his wife “bickering or rather joking” before disembarking. Greg Hughes was of the view that this was normal interaction between a couple and that it was quite common with which our contributor agreed but thought that what was of interest was the manner in which the media initially reacted to put out the notion of a “Deep Fake” which gained a lot of traction on the various platforms in order to discredit the embarrassing moment. The misuse of AI in this manner blurs the lines between truth and fiction, leaving it virtually impossible for the ordinary person to decipher what is or is not fake news. Gunn referenced the unfortunate tragic incident last weekend in Carlow where a young man had died after discharging a firearm in a Shopping Centre which was put out on X as a post thereafter that 7 people including a child had been killed. Our Taoiseach was also mentioned in this exchange, Gunn saying that there were in or around 340,000 views of this post which was entirely false. He said that the trusted media outlets of the past could be somewhat compromised if they are being fed fake news by politicians in order to distract from the truth of a situation. 

There was also reference to the fallout between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk and how this could play out in the public forum, Seamus Gunn suggesting that it was always a personality clash of 2 men with massive egos but that in his view it came down to money, referencing the tax and domestic policy bill introduced by the President which has had significant financial consequences for Musk’s Tesla Group which dropped 14% in share price in one day. A lot more is likely to follow on this front, Gunn not ruling out a backlash from Musk on his own xAI platform.

The debate continued into the next segment followed by the regular Q&A. 

2nd May 2025 Highland Radio Broadcast

To kick off the summer season the fascinating Jury trial taking place in Victoria, Australia was referenced by our contributor Seamus Gunn this morning where a 50-year-old Australian, Ms. Erin Patterson faces 3 murder charges and attempted murder as she stands accused of killing 3 relatives, while injuring another by serving a lunch contaminated by poison mushrooms. It may very well be the stuff of screen play in years to come but for now the trial is captivating not only for an Australian audience but a worldwide one. Seamus Gunn outlined that while it was accepted that the deaths did occur as a result of poisoning, it is claimed by the Defence that it was all a tragic, terrible accident, and that Ms. Paterson did not mean to hurt or harm anyone. The evidence that she is facing would seem to be circumstantial but a couple of aspects were highlighted, being the disposal of the food dehydrator used to dry out the mushrooms being linked to her and a claim that she had purchased the product in a food store but the prosecution maintained that mobile phone data suggested that she travelled to an area where death cap mushrooms grew. The dehydrator can be linked to Ms. Patterson according to the prosecution by way of fingerprints and it is also claimed that there were traces of death cap mushrooms found on it. There are further claims that Ms. Patterson’s had invited her guests to lunch to inform them that she was diagnosed with cancer. She also invited her ex-husband, but he did not attend. The prosecution maintains that she did not have cancer, this point is hotly contested by the Defence. Greg Hughes highlighted the circumstantial nature of the evidence, and our contributor agreed but thought that there were some strands of the Defence that may not add up which could be telling. Ultimately this will be a matter for the Jury to decide, the case continues. 

The Q&A as always is available to listen to below:

4th April 2025 Highland Radio Broadcast

As we head towards Easter and following Liberation Day in the USA the topic up for discussion was President Donald Trump’s dismissing upwards of 75 years of global trading systems with the introduction of sweeping tariffs across the board. Our contributor Seamus Gunn was intrigued that there had not been more analysis of the figures and in particular how the tariffs have been computed in relation to trade surpluses and deficits. He was of the view that if they were correct then there could be no surprise in America taking such a course of action but he had his doubts, particularly referencing the situation in Ireland where on the last figures published  by the CSO (Central Statistics Office) showed Ireland having a surplus of 70 Billion for goods sold into the USA while the USA had 163 Billion of services to Ireland which he maintained left Ireland in a deficit position of 93 Billion while now being hit with a European tariff rate of 20%.

Greg Hughes referenced manufacturing industries in Asia in the context of the low costs of production, with which the USA could not compete. Gunn referred to the car industry once very strong in Ohio and Detroit and how the industry has suffered over the years to such an extent that it is no longer the automobile centre that it once was. If the game plan was to promote growth in this area, he thought that the labour cost would be prohibitive and there may have to be a rethink on the 25% tariff on cars coming in. A concern was expressed for the ordinary US citizen as to how this will impact in their pockets. The changes to date with the cutbacks in the service industry and now the introduction of tariffs was likely to further escalate the growing disquiet among consumers in the US. Gunn’s view was that the policy was an attempt to have a global open trade market where supply and demand would dictate price. As this will play out in the coming weeks there are many nervous economists watching on. 

As ever a wide and varied Q&A followed.