PODCAST · news
The Tonight Show
by Virgin Media Originals
A sharp look at the major stories shaping Ireland and the world. Expect thoughtful analysis and robust discussion on the country’s only independent TV current affairs programme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Wednesday 21 October: Ireland's Triple Lock & Europe’s Angry Autumn
The triple lock debate returns to the Dáil, with opposition parties warning that reform could threaten Irish neutrality. Is the Coalition right to push ahead, or should a referendum be held? Plus, our panel examines a wave of social unrest and political protests across Europe as discontent grows...
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Public Sector Workers Strike & AI Dangers for Ireland?
Shane Coleman is joined by TDs Naoise Ó Cearúil, Louise O'Reilly, and Paul Murphy as well as economist John Fitzgerald to discuss the public sector strike as well as a full debate on the dangers of AI for the Irish economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Waterford Fire Latest & Public Sector Strike
Shane Coleman is joined by Seamus McGrath TD, Fianna Fáil, Ged Nash TD, Labour Party spokesperson on Finance, Public Expenditure & Reform, Michael Gillespie, TUI General Secretary, Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, Sunday Times Ireland to discuss the imminent public sector strike. While…
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Budget Backlash, RTÉ Funding Clash & Public Pay Dispute
A clash over RTÉ’s funding and reform plans, questions over the future of the TV licence, and the fallout from Budget 2027. Shane Coleman was joined by: Niall Collins TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice Cian O’Callaghan, Spokesperson for Finance, Social Democrats John Lee…
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Tax Cuts, Childcare and Cost of Living: Budget 2027 Debate
Budget 2027 promises more money in workers' pockets, limits on childcare costs and continued relief at the pumps. But will the measures make a meaningful difference to household finances, or leave families struggling with the cost of living? Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers and Sinn…
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Ireland-Israel Games: Did The FAI & Government Fail The Players?
The FAI faces a grilling before an Oireachtas Committee over safeguarding and governance, against a backdrop of protests outside Leinster House and calls to abandon Sunday’s second game against Israel. Did the beleaguered association come away with a result? Plus, with less than a week to Budget...
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Joyriders, Drumcree Deadlock & Manchester City’s Charges
Following Joyriders, Ireland’s Lucky Dip Gang on Virgin Media One, our panel examines mobile gang terror, the fallout from the M9 crash and what can be done about joy-riding teenagers. Plus, the Garvaghy Road standoff enters its third day as Nationalist residents and the Orange Order remain...
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Wednesday 23 September: Social Media in the Dock, AI Under Scrutiny & Micheál Meets Mamdani
Social media firms face an Oireachtas grilling over dangerous driving videos being shared online. Will new laws help, or is the sharing of harmful material inherent the design of the platforms themselves? Ireland's AI Minister refutes claims that the Irish presidency had a hand in drafting...
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Tue 22 September: Carbon Tax Clash, Global Conflict, Youth Exodus & the Israel Match
With Budget 2027 just weeks away, we debate Sinn Féin’s renewed push to remove the carbon tax from home heating oil and the wider pressure on Government over the cost of living. We also go live to New York as world leaders gather at the UN General Assembly, with the wars in Iran and Ukraine and…
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Wednesday 16 September: Metrolink Costs, Irish Unity & The Neutrality Debate
Metrolink returns to the Dáil agenda as the project enters the tender phase, with concerns its price tag could rise beyond €17.5 billion. Plus, Micheál Martin accuses Sinn Féin of a “strategic error” over Irish unity, while Ursula von der Leyen proposes a stronger EU security response to threats...
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Tuesday 15 September: Fuel Prices: Can Budget Measures Prevent A Repeat Of The Protests?
The Ploughing Championships get underway as soaring fuel and energy prices put pressure on farmers. With diesel now above €2 a litre, will proposed tax cuts and subsidies in the Budget prevent a repeat of this spring’s fuel protests? Plus, despite a series of wrong-way driving incidents on Irish...
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Wednesday 9 September: GAA Turmoil, Tougher Citizenship Rules and Trump in Doonbeg
The fallout from the GAA integration row, tougher proposed citizenship rules and the political debate around Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland are among the issues discussed. Shane Coleman was joined by: Aisling Maher, Co-Chair of the National Executive Committee for the Gaelic Players Association...
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Tuesday 8 September: Budget help or budget hype?”
Coalition divisions over a potential stamp duty cut for first-time buyers, tax reform and whether a second tier of Child Benefit could help tackle child poverty are among the issues discussed. Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: John Clendennen TD, Fine Gael Rose Conway Walsh TD, Sinn Fein…
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Tuesday 1 September: Defence & Neutrality: Is Ireland “Freeloading” On Its Neighbours?
European Defence Ministers meet in Ireland as questions grow over the country’s limited defence capabilities and reliance on its nearest neighbour for security. With closer NATO ties also under discussion, how much pressure is Irish neutrality under? Plus, as cost-of-living pressures mount, how...
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Remembering Glen Hansard
Tributes continue following the death of Glen Hansard. Friends and colleagues reflect on the life and legacy of the Oscar-winning musician and frontman of The Frames, described by Bono as the "Voice of the streets". Plus, our final political panel of the season debates the deepening legal aid...
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Trump, Zelenskyy and a Shifting Global Order
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet again at the White House — has their turbulent relationship finally thawed? As wildfires rage across France and Spain, and firefighters battle blazes in Munster, is Ireland prepared for more extreme fire seasons? Plus, the All-Ireland celebrations…
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Can €8.5 Billion Deliver Budget 2027?
The Government has set aside €8.5 billion for tax measures and higher spending ahead of Budget 2027. But how far will that money go — and does the Government have the fiscal discipline to deliver? Plus, RTÉ's latest pay figures spark fresh debate, with executives making up nine of the…
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Tuesday 21 July: Income Tax Cuts: Relief For Workers Or Risk To Public Finances?
Finance Minister Simon Harris says income tax cuts will be a priority for Budget 2027, but questions remain over whether narrowing the tax base is economically sustainable and who will benefit from a proposed savings scheme. Meanwhile, with energy prices facing renewed pressure from tensions in…
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Wednesday July 15: Ireland’s Heatwave Response | The Bessborough Planning Row
Ireland’s extended heatwave has raised questions about how prepared the country is for extreme weather, as a hosepipe ban was announced, crèches closed early, roads melted and fires raged in Kerry. The panel also examined the angry exchanges in the Dáil over plans for apartments on part of the...
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Tuesday July 14: Scramblers, AI Theft And Supporting England
Are scramblers and e-scooters becoming an epidemic of reckless behaviour? Can Ireland protect artists from industrial-scale AI copyright theft? And as the World Cup reaches the semi-finals… is it ever acceptable to support England? Shane Coleman was joined by: Michael Murphy TD, Fine Gael Daniel...
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Wednesday 8th July: Metrolink Milestone, E-Scooter Crackdown & FAI Decision Day
Metrolink moves a step closer after Transport Infrastructure Ireland acquires a major section of O’Connell Street, but questions remain over rising costs and whether Ireland’s biggest infrastructure project could become a financial burden. Meanwhile, concerns grow over e-scooter safety after…
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Tuesday 7 July: A United Ireland Plan, Legal Aid Crisis & Farage’s Political Gamble
Sinn Féin’s proposal for a United Ireland preparations bill faces opposition from Government, reigniting debate over who should lead the conversation on a future referendum and the path towards unity. Meanwhile, questions grow over the justice system after a murder accused was left without legal...
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Thursday 1 July: EU Presidency, Online Safety & The Scrambler Problem
Ireland begins its EU presidency amid growing pressure over defence, neutrality and online regulation. We examine whether Ireland can remain an impartial broker, ask if tech regulation is compromised by its ties to Big Tech, and discuss why illegal scramblers remain a danger despite Grace's Law....
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Tuesday 30 June: Fuel Costs And Rural Housing Shake-Up
Fuel cuts extended to September. Is the Government afraid of more protests? Plus, are the one-off rural housing changes a solid foundation for future generations? Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: Seamus McGrath TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Fianna Fail Pearse Doherty TD, Spokesperson on...
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Tuesday 23 June: Neutrality Questions and a Secret Silicon Valley Retreat
The Taoiseach defends the decision to scrap the triple lock amid criticism from Fianna Fáil backbenchers, who argue it represents a fundamental shift in Ireland’s traditional approach to neutrality. The move comes as the Government prepares for a forthcoming EU presidency, where defence spending…
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Wednesday 24 June: Heatwaves, Tech And Targets: Can Ireland Balance Climate And Growth?
Extreme temperatures across Europe have raised fresh questions about climate resilience, with two-thirds of the continent’s population experiencing heat above 35 degrees, conditions intensified by human-induced climate change. Ireland is also expected to record its highest temperature on record…
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Wednesday 17 June: Counting the Cost: Pubs, Hauliers and Budget Pressures
Tapped out by rising bills - publicans call time on rising costs and wage inflation as they outline budget asks while citing mass closures over the last decade. But as another report highlights the harms that alcohol brings, is it last chance saloon for the rural pub? Plus, carrying the costs -...
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Tuesday 16 June: Short-Term Lettings & Housing Pressures
Short-term lettings register brought to Cabinet after delays — but will local authorities have the resources to enforce the new rules? Minister claims thousands of homes will come “very quickly” as developers warn of a structural housing crisis and major barriers to supply Plus, G7 focus returns…
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Wednesday 10 June: Belfast, Broadcasting & the World Cup
Stephen Ogilvie’s family have said “unrest is not welcome” following recent violence in Belfast, as concerns grow over whether online rhetoric could fuel further disorder. Meanwhile, independent broadcasters are reacting to a proposed 39% increase in levies, warning it could threaten the sector’s...
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Tuesday 9 June: Belfast Braces For A Night Of Unrest
Belfast Braces: Police and Stormont leaders appeal for calm after a knife attack left a man seriously injured. With tensions rising and protests underway, will demonstrations spill into disorder? Plus, the panel discuss the Ireland vs Israel fixtures. Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:...
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Wednesday 3 June: Disability Services at a Crossroads? | EV Incentives | And Farage Under Fire
The Government unveils a new plan for Special Needs Assistants as thousands of children continue to face delays in disability assessments. Will a new EV scrappage scheme make electric cars more affordable? And is Nigel Farage seeking political advantage from a tragic death amid growing unrest in...
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Tuesday 2 June: Is Dublin Becoming Less Safe? | The Russia Export Controversy
Concerns over knife crime and safety in Dublin following two separate attacks over the weekend. Is the city becoming less safe? And pressure mounts on the Government to investigate claims that a major Irish employer is exporting products to Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Guest…
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Wednesday 27 May: Rural Housing Reform & Are Parties Of The Right Transfer-Friendly?
Transfers from the eliminated Fianna Fáil candidate Cillian Keane helped Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne edge ahead of Independent Ireland’s Noel Thomas in a tightly contested Galway West by-election. Simon Harris called the result a “victory for centrist politics,” but questions remain over why the right...
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Tuesday 26 May: By-Election Fallout, Sinn Féin's Direction & The Occupied Territories Bill
A new political chapter begins as Social Democrats and Fine Gael welcome new TDs into the 34th Dáil, following weekend by-elections that signal shifting fortunes across the parties. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin face scrutiny over disappointing results. Sinn Fein's results have raised questions about...
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Wednesday 20 May: RTÉ Pay Row, Rent Surge and Israeli Detentions
RTÉ management is accused of "creative accounting", with their top 10 list of high earners described as a "a waste of space" at the Oireachtas Media Committee. Plus, the government is accused of "sleeveen politics" but insists the sharp spike in rents linked to tenancy rule changes will lead to...
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Tuesday 19 May: Yves Sakila Death | RTÉ Financial Fallout
A vigil was held for Congolese man Yves Sakila who died after an alleged shop-lifting incident on Henry Street last Friday, amid concerns that excessive force may have been used against him. And the Media Minister says there can be no further ‘drip, drip, drip’ of disclosures about financial...
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Wednesday 13 May: Has The Bertie Ahern Video Reignited The Migration Debate?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin distances Fianna Fáil from anti-immigration comments made by former leader Bertie Ahern during a canvas in Dublin Central — but is migration really becoming a doorstep issue? Plus, concerns over road safety enforcement as breathalyser testing falls, conviction rates…
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Tuesday 12 May: Ambulance Strike: Ireland’s Health System Under Strain
The National Ambulance Service rejects claims its strike action has put patients at risk, saying pay has not kept pace with increased responsibilities. We look at whether talks should resume or if Government intervention is needed. Elsewhere, hospital delays continue in the Mid-West, while...
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Wednesday 6 May: Unity Poll & Israel Fixture Pressure
An all-island poll shows growing support for Irish unity, while concerns over migration and the EU are also shaping voter attitudes. We ask whether public opinion is increasingly diverging from political discourse. Meanwhile, Ireland’s electricity prices remain almost 40% above the EU average, as...
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Tuesday 5 May: The Nuclear Option - Ireland’s Energy Future
The Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure, with the ceasefire fragile and oil supplies at risk, raising fears of further energy price shocks. As costs rise, questions grow over whether Ireland should reconsider nuclear energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. And while recent supports have...
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Wednesday 29 April: Fuel Support, Energy Bills & Short-Term Letting Delays
The Government announces fuel support payments for farmers, hauliers and construction contractors by the end of June — but questions remain over support for households facing rising energy bills. With Sinn Féin calling for an emergency budget and almost 317,000 homes in arrears, pressure is...
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Tuesday 28 April: Character References Row & A Crisis for Local Radio
As the Taoiseach urges public representatives to avoid providing character references in cases involving abuse or violence, the Jim Glennon case raises wider questions about influence and the justice system. Meanwhile, local radio stations are reacting to a planned 39% increase in broadcasting...
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Wednesday 22 April - Oil Prices Surge as Hormuz Tensions Rise | Varadkar Apologises After Rural Backlash
Oil markets are on edge as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz intensify, raising fears of a further supply shock that could ripple through the global economy. With a fragile ceasefire in place and Iran signalling its leverage over key shipping routes, how exposed are markets - and how might...
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Tuesday 21 April - More Homes, Fewer Rules? ‘Shed-Sits’ Plan Revived - And Pressure Builds Over How To Use €9bn Surplus
Government drops plans to cap rental income on backyard modular homes — solution or risk of costly, low-quality builds? Plus: With a €9bn surplus and growth still forecast amid the “worst energy crisis in history”, should the State spend or hold firm? Guest presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:...
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Wednesday 15 April - Fuel Cuts, Rising Prices & Coalition Pressure Mounts
Fuel excise cut by 10c a litre overnight — but with oil prices volatile and global tensions rising, are these short-term supports worth it? Public anger grows over fuel protests. A resignation, backbench unrest and warnings the “social contract is strained to breaking point” — is pressure now...
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Tuesday 14 April - Healy-Rae Resigns & Government Confidence Shaken
A huge Dáil shock — Michael Healy-Rae resigns as Minister of State and votes no confidence in the Government following fuel protest chaos. Heated clashes erupt as pressure mounts. Has the Government lost the dressing room — and what are the lasting consequences? Guest presenter Shane Coleman is...
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Wednesday 8 April - Fuel Standoff at Home, Ceasefire Strain Abroad
Fuel protests are intensifying across Ireland, with blockades entering a second day and pressure mounting on Government to intervene. Protesters insist they will not move without direct talks, as the Minister for Justice claimed that an “unelected group” is disrupting the country. Meanwhile,...
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Tuesday 7 April - Convoys And Consequences: Fuel Protests Grip Ireland
Fuel protests have caused disruption across Ireland, with convoys from multiple counties slowing key routes into Dublin amid growing anger over rising costs. While major representative groups are not formally involved, the pressure from farmers, hauliers and contractors is clear - and questions…
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Wednesday 1 April - NATO Questions, Fuel Disruptions and Lunar Lift Off
Donald Trump warns the US can leave Iran “pretty quickly” and return if necessary ahead of his address tonight — but will he also withdraw from NATO? Meanwhile, Europe faces aviation fuel disruptions from early May, with air fares expected to rise. The EU Commissioner for Energy urges remote...
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Tuesday 31 March - Fuel Fears, US-Iran Fallout & Israel’s Military Measures
Time to fill up? With the EU warning of a prolonged disruption to energy markets due to the Iran conflict, questions mount over rationing and whether the government may soon ask the public to conserve energy. Meanwhile, a frustrated Trump criticises Western allies’ reluctance to engage in the…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A sharp look at the major stories shaping Ireland and the world.
Expect thoughtful analysis and robust discussion on the country’s only independent TV current affairs programme.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Virgin Media Originals
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A sharp look at the major stories shaping Ireland and the world. Expect thoughtful analysis and robust discussion on the country’s only independent TV current affairs programme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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