The Group Chat

This week on The Group Chat, we discuss whether we are now at a tipping point in Gaza? Also on the show, we look at the latest developments in the Michael Gaine investigation. Plus, we go behind the gates in the Secret Life of Leinster House . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vladimir Putin skips peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy — we hear from Ukrainians in Ireland who fear a sustained peace may never come. One year into the job, is Simon Harris facing internal pressure in Fine Gael? And a new report on the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed scandal reveals no value-for-money checks and no accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Cha t, Richard is reporting live from Vatican City , where all eyes are fixed on the iconic chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the world awaits the white smoke. Zara checks in from Sweden, where 'flat-pack homes' are transforming housing – though Gavan remains unconvinced the model could take root in Ireland. Also on the show, Killian Woods from the Sunday Business Post joi...

Belfast rap trio KNEECAP are being investigated by UK counter-terror police over comments made during past performances. But is the media missing the mark? The panel unpacks whether the controversy is a backlash against protest music, a distraction from the deepening crisis in Gaza, or both. The discussion focuses on public reaction, political response, and how music has long sparked uncomfor...

On  The Group Chat  this week, Richard is live from Vatican City as thousands gather in St Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis - but did he have a chance encounter with the next pope? Or is Dubliner Cardinal Kevin Farrell going to bring it home for Drimnagh? Also on this episode, Gavan And Zara discuss the changes to how teachers are appointed and their potential consequen...

With Ireland’s housing crisis at breaking point, The Group Chat asks the big question: Why does it take so long to get any infrastructure projects off the ground? Zara King, Richard Chambers and Gavan Reilly dig into delays, frustrations, and what's holding Ireland back. Also on this week’s episode: 🚈 Cork’s new Luas plan – is it realistic or just another promise? 🇺🇸 A stark warning for J1 studen...

On  The Group Chat  this week: Donald Trump hits the brakes on his sweeping tariffs – but is it a tactical retreat or just a pause? And what does it mean for Ireland's economic outlook? The team also dive into the latest developments in the CHI spinal surgery scandal and the ongoing search for missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine. Plus, is Dubai chocolate worth the hype? Hosted o...

💶This week on The Group Chat Podcast, we dive into the latest tariff turmoil surrounding Trump – what does it mean for your pay and your pocket?  📚Plus, we’re joined in studio by a mother who’s ready to chain herself to the school gates to ensure her autistic son gets an appropriate school place this September.  🎧Tune in now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acas...

Richard and Gavan take a deep dive into the Dáil row that could cost Verona Murphy her position as Ceann Comhairle. War plans in another group chat, we explain the White House Signal security scandal. Plus, is Irish football back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The group is back together in studio to discuss the fallout of Conor McGregor's White House invitation on St. Patrick's Day and what it means for future US-Ireland relations. Israel has broken its ceasefire with Hamas through a renewed series of bombings, while the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire is still up in the air. And Amazon has launched a dedicated Irish website; will this impact smaller businesse...

Gavan takes Zara and Richard inside Donald Trump's famous home in Washington as he prepares for his meeting with the Taoiseach. The group also discuss the latest moves towards a ceasefire in Ukraine as Kyiv agrees to back the American peace plan. They also speak to Guardian International Correspondent Michael Safi about the latest unrest in Syria, ISIS and fears of a civil war. Later Zara gives he...

In this special emergency episode, Gavan joins Richard and Zara from Washington for reaction to the Taoiseach's meeting with the U.S. President as Trump tells him that the American pharmaceutical industry has "gone to Ireland". We ask did the Taoiseach do enough to stand up to Trump who dominated the Oval Office meeting? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King break down the week that shook global politics. As Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy clash publicly, US-Europe relations hit a new low—so where does that leave Ireland? The team discusses: 🇺🇦 Geopolitical rifts amid the Russia-Ukraine war 🇮🇪 Micheál Martin’s unprecedented political week 🌍 Ireland’s climate obligations 🇵...

Gavan and Zara discuss the rise in violence against women in Ireland and speak with Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson on what can be done to solve it. US President Donald Trump has secured a minerals deal with Ukraine as efforts continue to end the war. What precedent does this set for other world leaders? And would you pass the driving test? A call has been made for drivers to resit the theory test ev...

This week on The Group Chat , Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King discuss: Safety in Dublin as a restaurant owner shares his crime ordeal. "Shed-sits" are suggested as an option to aid Ireland's ever-worsening housing crisis. Has America just thrown Europe under the bus on defence? Plus, after 11 gloomy days, the sun finally makes an appearance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Richard, Gavan and Zara analyse Fianna Fail's previous promises on housing projections and discuss new proposals to remove rent caps. Are all parties being held to the same account? Senator Martin Conway has resigned from Fine Gael after faling to disclose being arrested for public intoxication last month. And the League of Ireland will now be fully televised, but will this drive up engagement amo...

In this episode of The Group Chat, we speak to the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland about Donald Trump's controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its population. Plus, the Government backs down on Dáil speaking time row—but for how long? And we break down all the biggest moments from the Grammys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect on the aftermath of Storm Éowyn and discuss the consequences it may have for the newly-formed government. Only 3 of the 15 ministers in the new cabinet are women; the group looks at what this means for future female representation in politics. And DeepSeek has dominated the AI market; will this hurt Trump's plan for America to rule the AI industry? Hosted on Acast....

This week on The Group Chat , Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King examine the turbulent starts for new governments in Ireland and the U.S. In Dublin, the Dáil adjourned without even hearing nominations for a new Taoiseach, leaving Ireland in political limbo. Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump’s America First 2.0 agenda has already ignited major controversy. What’s next for these administr...

Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in studio to discuss the next government and what its make-up means for Independents and you. Unprecedented fires have ravaged parts of the city of L.A., but will it recover before the 2028 Olympics? And tech billionaires will be taking centre-stage at Donald Trump's inauguration; what does it mean for the future of social media? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

Richard, Gavan and Zara are beginning the New Year with a cold snap that has gripped the nation and discuss if the Met Éireann weather warning system needs an update. Government formation talks are back in action but will a deal be made soon and what role will the Healy-Rae brothers have? And are billionaires bending to Donald Trump? Elon Musk has been starting rows with Keir Starmer while Mark Zu...

It's the end of year special and that means 2024 is almost over! Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect back on the year's events and try to predict what the biggest stories of 2025 will be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara are back to chat about Israel's decision to close its embassy in Ireland, and what it means for future government policy. The next Dáil has met for the first time and elected Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle - the group analyses her track record, Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s re-election attempt, and whether you should care about who chairs Dáil proceedings. And Storm Darragh has caus...

Gavan and Zara speak with independent TD Michael Healy-Rae for how he plans to enter the next government and if a ministerial position is in the cards. What is going on with Eoin Hayes? Gavan explains the controversy surrounding the Social Democrats member and what his path to the Dáil looks like. And Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has fallen: Zara reflects on the reactions from Syrians living...

Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in studio to reflect on the 2024 General Election and look at how the next government will be formed. They also discuss the latest developments in the war in Syria and what it means on an international scale. And Spotify Wrapped 2024 is out; did Richard have a "brat summer"? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.