Archives

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. 

7th February 2025 Highland Radio Broadcast

As Spring approaches the show kicked off this morning on the case making the news in the UK, being the Lucy Letby convictions of July 2024 when she was convicted of the murder of 7 babies, the attempted murder of another 7 and handed down 15 whole of life sentences which she is currently serving following her employment as a neonatal nurse in the Countess of Chester Hospital in the years 2015-2016. Our host referenced the Report of Dr. Shoo Lee eminent Neonatologist being one of 14 leading experts who concluded during the week that there was no medical evidence that Lucy Letby murdered the babies. Our contributor Seamus Gunn said that their conclusion was that the deaths were due to either natural causes or bad medical care which was a stark finding given the fact that the Trial had lasted some 8 months and there had been 2 attempts to overturn the convictions which were rejected by the Court of Appeal. He said that it would now be up to the Criminal Cases Review Commission to assess whether the new evidence was sufficient to merit another referral to the Court of Appeal herein. Seamus Gunn said that the central allegation was that Letby had murdered the babies by injecting air into their bloodstream and poisoning them with insulin and that the technical evidence claimed was largely that of 1 retired Consultant Paediatrician. He said that the headline now from a 14 strong panel of Neonatologists and Paediatricians from around the world is that no scientific proof of this exists. They found no medical evidence supporting malfeasance causing death or injury. He said that he thought on the presentation by their lawyer Mark McDonald that they were optimistic that the CCRC would refer the cases back to the Court of Appeal. It was Seamus Gunn’s view that this was no quick process giving that another case in similar circumstances in which the same lawyer was acting, has been ongoing for some 19 years. He said that with the level of public interest and sensitivity the CCRC will be very careful in their consideration of the reports from the experts now to hand. He said that it should not be lost on the public that the Appeal Courts had already viewed the substantial evidence and concluded that the convictions were safe. There have also been 2 separate Jury Trials who have formed the same conclusions. Not only was there technical evidence but there was circumstantial evidence considered at the Trials. There is little doubt that this matter shall be back in the public domain when the CCRC reports further. Our contributor stressed that this was likely to take some considerable time. 

A very varied Q&A followed, which can be listed to below

10th January 2025 Highland Radio Broadcast

To kick off 2025 the forthcoming inauguration of Donald Trump and his ambitious plans and social media influences aired on the Greg Hughes Show, Seamus Gunn opening with the line “we are heading into unchartered waters” with the sabre-rattling of Donald Trump in eyeing up Greenland, the Panama Canal and the Gulf of Mexico, to be followed by Canada. Greg Hughes was of the view that this was a negotiation position taken up by Trump to strengthen his hand while Seamus Gunn countered that the President elect had no business in Greenland, that he was delving into European territory, while Putin was watching closely. He said that it was fascinating to observe the role that social media was now playing in world politics, referencing the U-turn by Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, changing his attitude to Trump as his inauguration looms and starting to beat the drum of deregulation. Elon Musk of X was also referred to with the vast influence he has with over 200 million followers.

Greg Hughes highlighted the point that the sentiments being expressed in relation to regulation and the sovereignty of countries and protecting their own lands was shared by a lot of people, but while our contributor Seamus Gunn readily accepted the point, he said that it was the hijacking of the social media platforms with fake news to influence vast numbers of followers on right wing issues that he objected to and that he thought had to be curtailed. He referenced the new EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath from Ireland and the brief that he now had to enforce on the Digital Services Act, making the point that by the time they came around to investigating an overamplification of content on a social media platform, the damage could already have been done and if it was in the context of an election, then the result could be in place before any action is taken. No doubt this will be a hot topic going forward in 2025. 

The full discussion and Q&A that followed can be listened to below:

6th December 2024 Highland Radio Broadcast

For the final show of 2024 it was fitting that the general election results would be touched on by our contributor Seamus Gunn with Greg Hughes on the 9 ‘til Noon Show. Seamus Gunn in considering the results put forward the point that unfortunately while Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael put a package together, with a definite path to government, the left of center could not come together prior to the election to give a viable alternative. He was of the view that if the electorate had been approached, in this manner by Sinn Féin and those similarly aligned parties, then a viable alternative could have been considered. He said that it now leaves the 2 historical government parties of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael together with another (likely Independents) to seek to put together a government for the next 5 years. He thought that it was an opportunity lost for the left, that it could have been addressed pre-election and that while post-election some type of coming together was being discussed, it was too little, too late. 

With Christmas in the offing, the Q&A that followed was lively and varied. This can be listened to below. 

Highland Radio Broadcast 8th November 2024

As we move into the penultimate show of the year, it would be remiss not to have opened the show with the outcome of the US election and the resounding win for Donald Trump and the Republican party. Seamus Gunn our contributor made reference to the old Chinese proverb May you live in interesting times which he thought could be quite apt in interpreting the comprehensive victory. He recalled that in 2020 the Republicans lost 6 of the swing states while this time around they won all 7, such the margin of the victory. The polls were referred to in particular as to how they had it wrong in the evaluation of the 2 candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, in saying that up to the 11th hour pundits were not prepared to call it. 

He was of the view that it came down to Donald Trump pitting the economy and immigration against Kamala Harris representing democracy and women’s rights. Greg Hughes made the point that Trump secured significant women’s votes despite bad publicity, while Seamus Gunn’s thinking was that Donald Trump was able to muddy the waters on the abortion issue to leave the margin quite small in favour of Harris but that interestingly on Democracy the electorate was split 50/50.

He said that the key was the economy, that those people who were angry voted in their droves for the Republicans. He noted that the message from Trump was quite simple; “are you better off now or were you better off 4 years ago?” while he said that he engaged the young voters in promising no tax on tips, which he thought was nearly impossible to follow through on. Between that and serving McDonalds, this struck a common chord, while the Harris team could only follow suit on the no tax on tips but never came to terms with the simple economy message for which he had a free advertisement every time an individual went into a shop, i.e. people were better off 4 years ago. He also commented on the interpretation of the long ques of polls, which the Democrats thought were in their favour, but in fact it seemed to be the opposite. 

While it is too early to forecast the fall out, our contributor referenced a potential dark cloud for Ireland if Trump followed through on his promise of 20% tariffs, mentioning that Ireland is a major exporter to the USA and the proposed reduction in the corporation tax rate to try to attract back the multi-nationals. Greg Hughes contended that multi-nationals are very well served in this country with young, dedicated and highly qualified staff, Seamus Gunn countering that they were the biggest single contributor to the Irish economy so if they left this would have serious consequences. 

As the US segment came to a close, the questions and answers that followed covered various topics.