A sharp look at the major stories shaping Ireland and the world, led by Kieran Cuddihy and a panel of guests.
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.
A sharp look at the major stories shaping Ireland and the world, led by Kieran Cuddihy and a panel of guests.
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.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan says Ireland must be “nimble” in responding to major shifts in British asylum policy after tough new reforms were announced by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. To debate the implications, Fianna Fáil Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn, and immigration lawyer Cathal Malone join the programme.
Later, Ivan Yates appears alone before the Oireachtas Media Committee following controversy over his media training for Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin. With Coimisiún na Meán and Newstalk now reviewing the matter, what does this mean for media transparency and future podcast regulation?
Featuring reaction from Labour TD Alan Kelly, and analysis from John Masterson of Purcell Masterson PR.
Policy tensions, media scrutiny, and questions of transparency — all on The Tonight Show.
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“Hang in there.” That’s the message from Housing Minister James Browne, who says the upcoming National Housing Plan will mark “a real shift” in solving Ireland’s housing crisis. But can the government really deliver the radical change needed to get homes built and prices down?
Debating the challenge: Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Richard Boyd Barrett, and Eimer McAuley, News Correspondent with The Journal.
Later, as Fianna Fáil avoids any discussion of the botched Jim Gavin presidential campaign at tonight’s parliamentary party meeting, attention turns to what’s next for the government — and the political stakes of the new plan. John Lee, Executive Editor at the Irish Daily Mail, brings the latest analysis.
Promises, pressure, and a plan to fix housing — all on The Tonight Show.
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Catherine Connolly has been sworn in as Ireland’s tenth President — pledging to be “a unifying president, a steady hand, but also a catalyst for change.” In her inauguration speech, she outlined a vision for a new republic built on equality, inclusion, and neutrality.
With the left now holding the highest office in the land, can Ireland’s progressive parties find common ground, and speak with one voice?
Joining the debate: Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell, Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan, and Naomi O’Leary, The Irish Times Europe Correspondent.
A new era, a new president — all on The Tonight Show.
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Housing Minister James Browne has played down claims that it could take 15 years to end Ireland’s housing crisis — even though the estimate comes from the Department of Finance. A new mapping exercise suggests the shortage could persist into the 2040s, until building finally catches up with demand.
Joining Kieran Cuddihy to debate the government’s response and what it means for homebuyers:
-Fine Gael TD Naoise Ó Muirí
-Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney
-Executive Editor, Irish Independent Kevin Doyle
-Solicitor & Planning Law Expert Fred Logue
Later — Donald Trump’s “worst nightmare” Zohran Mamdani makes history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest in a century. With Democrats celebrating big wins in Virginia and New Jersey, is this the first major test for the Republican Party and President Trump since his return to the White House?
Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute UCD, Scott Lucas for analysis.
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Seven children were among 52 people deported to Georgia last night on a chartered flight from Dublin Airport — the sixth deportation operation so far this year as the government tightens its stance on failed asylum applications.
With the Tánaiste saying migration numbers are now too high, is the coalition shifting to the right on immigration? And what does this signal about attitudes across Ireland?
Joining Kieran Cuddihy to debate this on The Tonight Show:
Later — the political fallout from Ivan Yates’s media training for Fianna Fáil sparks tensions within the coalition, and we’ll ask: is a left-wing outsider about to become mayor of America’s biggest city?
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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:
The collapse of Fastway Couriers delivers a “body blow” to an already struggling industry, with hundreds of jobs lost. Is the business a casualty of green taxes and government policy?
On the eve of COP30, are public attitudes toward climate change shifting as policies retreat? And in the wake of the presidential election, do the high numbers of spoilt ballots signal a growing anti-democratic force in Irish politics?
🏛️ John Clendennen TD, Fine Gael
👨🏫 Kevin Cunningham, Lecturer in Politics at TU Dublin and Founder at Ireland Thinks
🏛️ Cllr Linda de Courcy, Independent Ireland
📰 John Gibbons, Journalist & Author
🚚 Ger Hyland, Irish Road Haulage Association President
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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:
With the presidential election over, the fallout has begun.
Government parties are counting the cost of defeat, with Fianna Fáil facing renewed internal unrest and whispers of a no-confidence motion against Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly has accused his party of “shafting” him, deepening the coalition’s woes.
Plus, Stripe co-founder John Collison says Ireland is “stuck” - caught in a web of agencies and red tape that’s stalling progress on housing and infrastructure.
The panel debates: is he right, and have our leaders lost sight of the basics of running a country?
🏛️ John Connolly TD, Fianna Fail
🏛️ Senator Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats
📰 Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner
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Tensions remain high in Citywest, where protests continue outside a centre for asylum seekers. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has promised a “robust response” to any violence as concerns grow over public safety and community division. Joining the discussion are Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, Sinn Féin TD and Justice Spokesperson Matt Carthy, and Eimer McAuley, News Correspondent with The Journal.
Later, outrage after a deepfake video of presidential candidate Catherine Connolly, falsely claiming she had quit the race, spreads online. Could AI manipulation truly sway voters? Adrian Weckler, Irish Independent Technology Editor, and Dr. Susan Leavy, Assistant Professor at UCD’s School of Information and Communication Studies, explore how deepfakes threaten democracy.
Unrest on the ground, deception online — all on The Tonight Show.
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Violence has erupted outside a centre for asylum seekers in Citywest, Dublin, after an alleged sexual assault in the area. A Garda van has been set alight, and fireworks and bottles thrown at officers.
Journalist Ronan McGreevy reports live from the scene, as our panel — Fianna Fáil Senator Dee Ryan, Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne, entrepreneur Declan Ganley, and Irish Examiner columnist Fergus Finlay — debate what’s driving the unrest.
Later, with just three days to go until the presidential election, nearly half the electorate say neither candidate represents them. Could a growing campaign to spoil votes send a message — or backfire?
Tensions on the streets, frustration at the polls — all on The Tonight Show.
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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:
With just days to go before voters head to the polls, our panel analyses The Big Interview with Colette Fitzpatrick, dissecting Heather Humphreys’ performance and presidential vision.
Plus, controversy over a Fine Gael attack ad targeting Catherine Connolly - a legitimate challenge or a sign of campaign panic?
🏛️ Barry Ward TD, Fine Gael
🏛️ Ciarán Ahern TD, Labour
📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent
📰 Jenny Maguire, Activist and Columnist
📰 Sarah Carey, Columnist
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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:
From waiting lists for scoliosis and spina bifida services at CHI to renewed delays in completing the National Children’s Hospital, the government’s record on children’s health comes under the spotlight.
Plus, will the forcing through of the vote of confidence in Tánaiste Simon Harris defuse the risk of a debate on disabilities during the final week of the presidential campaign?
🏛️ Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Fine Gael
🏛️ David Cullinane, Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson
📰 Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor, Medical Independent
📰 Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish Examiner
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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:
Are Irish households being ripped off? With electricity bills three times higher than wholesale costs, we ask if price-gouging, over reliance on data centres, or a lack of regulation are to blame for Ireland’s energy crisis.
Plus, swimmer Shane Ryan explains why he’s joining the so-called “drug and steroid Olympics” - the controversial Enhanced Games.
🏛️ Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil
🏛️ Conor Sheahan TD, Labour
📰 Liz Carolan, Tech and Democracy Journalist
📰 Emmet Ryan, Journalist
📰 Darragh Cassidy, Bonkers.ie
🏊 Shane Ryan, Former Olympic Swimmer
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As all remaining Israeli hostages are freed and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released, the U.S. President hails a lasting peace in Gaza — but can it truly hold, and at what cost? Conflict mediator Oliver McTernan, former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews, and Irish Independent Executive Editor Kevin Doyle share their insights.
Earlier, The Tonight Show also examines Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly’s performance on The Big Interview with Colette Fitzpatrick, with analysis from Kevin Cunningham, Lecturer in Politics at TU, and Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News, Irish Independent.
Global diplomacy, political ambition, and the fight for lasting peace — all on this episode of The Tonight Show.
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esterday’s Budget unveiled new measures to tackle the housing crisis — including a VAT cut on apartment sales from 13.5% to 9%. Is it a smart solution to boost supply, or just another break for developers? Fine Gael Minister of State John Cummins, Sinn Féin TD and Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin, and Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Louise Burne debate the move.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil faces internal unrest as the party meets to examine the fallout from Jim Gavin’s withdrawal from the presidential race. How did his ill-fated bid get through “very comprehensive due diligence”? Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Murchú joins the discussion on what went wrong — and what happens next.
Housing, politics, and party fallout — all on The Tonight Show.
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Budget 2026 was billed as an investment in the future — but in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, are households actually worse off? Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers and Sinn Féin’s Public Expenditure Spokesperson Mairéad Farrell go head-to-head in studio.
We’ll also examine the government’s decision to cut VAT for the hospitality sector. Will it protect jobs — or just pad profits for the so-called “burger barons”?
Joining the discussion: Fine Gael TD and President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland John Clendennen, Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney, and John Lee, Executive Editor at the Irish Daily Mail & Mail on Sunday.
Politics, pressure, and the price of living — all on The Tonight Show.
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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:
Fianna Fáil in crisis as Jim Gavin spectacularly exits the presidential race. Are Michael Martin’s days numbered after this ‘serious miscalculation’?
Plus, what does this mean for the remaining two? Will Fianna Fáil back Heather Humphreys, and will the latest Áras polls prove correct as Catherine Connolly pulls ahead?
And predictions on the eve of Budget '26, as well as a look at tomorrow’s papers…
🏛️ Niall Collins TD, Fianna Fáil
🏛️ Billy Kelleher MEP, Fianna Fáíl
🏛️ Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit-Solidarity
🏛️James Geoghegan, TD, Fine Gael
📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent
📰 Alison O'Connor, Journalist
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As Budget day looms, we ask will cutting VAT be helpful to a struggling hospitality sector, or is it simply wasteful spending and "economically illiterate?
Plus, our panel will be forecasting other key areas in next Tuesday’s package, as households brace for no repeat of one-off supports.
And, a look ahead to tomorrow’s front pages and the Gaza Flotilla
🏛️John Lahart TD, Fianna Fáil
🏛️Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Independent Ireland
🎓Michael Taft, research officer, SIPTU
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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:
What did yesterday's presidential debate reveal about the candidates, and the key issues that will dominate this election?
Is the government's plan to splash cash at asylum applicants a "right-wing dog whistle"?
We'll also discuss the Gaza "peace plan" along with all of tomorrow's front-page news.
🏛️ Colm Brophy TD, Fine Gael
🏛️ Gary Gannon TD, Social Democrats
🏛️ Mary Butler TD, Fianna Fáil
📰 Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent
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Ireland’s presidential election is down to just three candidates — the fewest since 1990. Is the system concentrating too much power in too few hands? Minister of State and Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae, Labour TD Marie Sherlock, and Virgin Media News Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly join the debate.
Meanwhile, fallout continues from Donald Trump’s explosive speech at the UN General Assembly, with Zara King, Virgin Media News Correspondent, reporting live from New York.
And as Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill pushes new legislation to clamp down on single-use vapes, the panel asks: will a ban really work, or just push demand underground?
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