Declan Lynch

6 days ago | independent.ie | Declan Lynch

Declan Lynch: The ten key stages of Elon Musk’s descent into darknessElon Musk in a funny hat on the campaign trail. His candidate lost. Photo: GettyLast Wednesday, a White House official confirmed to Reuters that Elon Musk would be leaving the Trump administration, with these unsentimental words: “Off-boarding will begin tonight.”With the election success of Trump, Elon got so much of what he wanted — yet he is still dissatisfied, and returning now to the wreckage of Tesla.

1 week ago | independent.ie | Declan Lynch

Radio reviewsMuch of human progress is achieved by people being better than they need to be. There’s Jerry O’Sullivan of Radio Kerry, presenter of the station’s main current affairs show Kerry Today, a demanding job that he does very well – all the more demanding given the number and frequency of the Healy-Raes encountered by him, as a matter of routine.

1 week ago | independent.ie | Declan Lynch

A major European study of pupils aged 15-16 across 37 countries has found that the Irish are now well below the average in using alcohol, cigarettes and cannabis — and well above the average in terms of gambling and gaming. Yes, a major European study will always be useful, but then even a few minor observations of the way we live now would tend to lead you towards these conclusions.

2 weeks ago | independent.ie | Declan Lynch

Declan Lynch: ‘Time was, a “farming” programme would feature mainly men without double-barrelled names, rattling off the cattle prices’Radio reviewsPhilip Boucher-Hayes was investigating aromas. Photo: David Cantwell PhotographyWhat is the quintessential scent of Ireland? RTÉ1’s CountryWide (RTÉ1, Saturdays, 8.10am) engaged with this question, reminding us that for the last 25 years this country has actually had an official scent – that of “burning turf”.

3 weeks ago | independent.ie | Declan Lynch

Declan Lynch: Ah, Eurovision — you can’t watch it, you can’t not watch it Ireland’s Emmy pictured performing 'Laika Party' during the Eurovision semi-final. Photo: Andres PovedaAt some point this week, you may have looked into your soul and asked yourself this question: why am I watching the Eurovision? Or even, why am I watching two Eurovision semi-finals and a final? If you failed to find a satisfactory answer within your being, I am here to help you.