#860 Fuel prices & Would You Call Someone A Coward For Escaping War?

In this episode, Niall Boylan speaks to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín about the rising cost of fuel and the Government’s plans to unwind reductions in excise duty from September.Tóibín says the Government is on course to collect around €1.7 billion in VAT on fuel this year, approximately €238 million more than last year, while motorists are still struggling with the cost of living. He also warns that drivers could face a series of fuel price increases across September, October and November as tax measures change. Niall asks whether motorists are once again being treated as an easy source of revenue, whether the Government should postpone the increases, and how much more families and commuters can realistically absorb.Later, Niall opens the phone lines on a very different and difficult question.Ukrainians living in accommodation centres across Limerick and Clare have reportedly been given notice to leave, with some expected to find and pay for their own accommodation or fund their journey home. Those with exceptional circumstances may still qualify for additional support.The discussion turns to younger Ukrainian men who may fear returning home because of the war and the possibility of being expected to fight. Niall asks listeners to put themselves in their shoes. If staying meant risking your life on the front line, would you remain and defend your country, or would you take your partner and children somewhere safe?And if Ireland found itself at war tomorrow, and you had the choice between staying to fight or boarding a plane with your family and escaping to safety, what would you do?