While chatting in the studio the day Laura started with us, we discussed how relationships are changing in Ireland. Keeping this in mind, we asked 3 different people to speak to us about issues facing modern couples and the situations they now find themselves in.
Firstly, we spoke to Lisa O'Hara from Marriage and Relationship Counselling Services, which offers therapy and counselling for couples. We had so many questions for Lisa, but instead ended up discussing most of the main issues that couples face, mainly problems with communication and lack of understanding. We also spoke about changing perceptions to divorce and separation in this country and how the expectation level for men to talk about their feelings has risen dramatically. Log onto their website to find out more information about their services on http://www.mrcs.ie/ or by contacting the service on 1890 380 380. We hope to have Lisa back on the show again in the future to maybe interact with the listeners more about relationship issues so keep an eye out for her!!
For the second interview we spoke with Rory O'Neill, better know to everyone as Panti about the important issue of the Civil Partnership bill. As you all may know, the bill to provide social welfare and tax breaks for those living together as partners was passed by the Dail and by the Senate. Unfortunately, the bill has now been referred to the Supreme Court to check its constitutionality and will hopefully be passed. However, as far as gay and lesbian rights go, Panti pointed that the bill has not gone far enough, not making any provisions for children resulting from gay relationships and not going far enough on the issue of recognising the rights for gay people to marry. We also discussed the pickets outside the Dail and impact religion has had on the politics of this country. Panti runs the infamous bar on Capel Street, call in for a drink!!!Last but not least, we spoke to Stephen Nolan from Kama Lifestyles about Relationship Coaching. It was never going to be easy going up against 4 women to discuss relationships but Stephen took us on! He spoke a little about how the coaching works, the workshops and how to perfect the technique of dating. People who are interested will go through a dating consultation initially and if required a fashion consultation. Stephen also spoke about changes in dating and relationships in Ireland and something that Lisa also spoke to us about previously, the pressure on men to make the first move. If you are interested, log onto the website on http://www.kamalifestyles.com/
During the showbiz section, we spoke with Niamh Sherlock about becoming this years Dublin Rose (big congrats!!). Niamh will be competing for the Rose of Tralee the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of August. We hope to speak to Niamh again after the event to find out what it is really like behind the and scenes and we of course wish her the best of luck.
