The Group Chat

It's an Election Day special as, for the first time, the Group Chat went live on Virgin Media One! Gavan's in studio, Richard's at the RDS and Zara's in Cork to discuss the media frenzy around Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch after his election defeat. Labour and Social Democrats have performed well, but how will this affect government formation? And what will the politicians of the future look like? Micheá...

After a campaign that was slow to catch fire, and sudden lurches in the opinion polls, the big Leaders' Debate on RTÉ was the last chance for the three would-be Taoisigh to really pack a punch… so did they? Zara, Richard and Gav (live from the national broadcaster's car park) discuss, with gossip from behind the scenes in Montrose. Plus: for the first time ever, we're live on the telly this w...

The team sits down with Derval McDonald from Inclusion Ireland to unpack the controversy surrounding outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris’ dismissal of a disability care worker, Charlotte Fallon, during a campaign stop in Cork. With just five days until the general election, could this misstep become a turning point for Fine Gael’s campaign? The team also the outcome of the civil assault case against C...

Richard, Gavan and Zara catch back up again (from car parks across the land!) to chew the fat about the brewing fiscal war between Fine Gael and Sinn Féin. Is the national piggy bank really being smashed? What impact will the John McGahon controversy have? Is Fianna Fáil sailing pretty? And should we be paying more attention to Donald Trump's latest Cabinet pick? The Big Interview with Mary Lou Mc...

Richard, Gavan and Zara review this week's election campaign events and discuss how Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's fighting may be an advantage for Sinn Féin. Donald Trump's cabinet picks are making waves, after RFK Jr. and Matt Gaetz receive top positions. And the group reflects on the life and work of D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Election 2024 finally underway, Richard, Zara and Gavan are on the road following the campaigns and talking to voters about what they want. Richard's witnessed some competitive jiving, Zara's been speaking to angry teachers, and Gav isn't sure if the war of words between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is all for show…  We're moving our TV instalment to Sundays at 7pm for the duration of the c...

Gavan and Zara are joined by Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman in studio to discuss his handling of immigration and childcare and the difficulties he faces as party leader. And Richard joins in from the US to reflect on Donald Trump's historic re-election, how Kamala Harris' campaign failed to attract voters and what the result means for Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

Mary Lou McDonald is in studio to discuss Sinn Féin's immigration policy, whether or not they will enter into a coalition and her biggest regrets over the course of her leadership. Richard, Gavan and Zara also debate the fallout of Trump's Madison Square Garden rally and Biden's newest gaffe. And Zara's move to Cork; how difficult is it to change your voting area? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

Tonight on  The Group Chat , Tánaiste Micheál Martin faces tough questions on the government's response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The team doesn't hold back on Ireland’s housing crisis either, asking why voters should place their trust in his party for another term. Then, we dive into U.S. politics: with the election just two weeks away, could Kamala Harris survive a...

Richard, Gavan and Zara break-down the recent controversy within Sinn Féin and what it means for Mary Lou McDonald's leadership going forward. They speak with Dr. Amber Alayyan, a medical referent for MSF, for comment on the recent strikes on Gazan hospitals and the struggles doctors go through in Gaza. And Tied with Trump: Polls show Kamala Harris is still in a tight race for the White House. Hos...

Richard and Gavan are joined by Zara from the US to discuss Simon Harris' meeting with Joe Biden and how Storm Milton is interrupting his plans. The pair also meet with journalist Hannah McCarthy, this time in studio, to discuss how the crisis in Lebanon has developed and if there is any possibility of peace. And who is Cobalt? Irish politicians are scrambling to prove they are not a secret Russia...

Richard, Gavan and Zara are joined in studio by Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure, for comment on Budget 2025 and the blow-back from the bike shed. The group discusses the consequences of the recent missile attacks by Iran against Israel and what it means for the 379 Irish UNIFIL staff currently in Lebanon. And did Walz flub the debate? The group analyses the vice-presidential debat...

Richard and Zara speak with Hannah McCarthy, a journalist in Lebanon, to understand the ground situation in the country and what Israel's ultimate game plan is. Gavan joins in from New York at the UN General Assembly to discuss Simon Harris' comments on housing and Micheál Martin meeting Meryl Streep. And will the costs and delays of the National Children's Hospital be a talking point in the upcom...

Richard has returned to Gavan and Zara from Pennsylvania to discuss the 'Kamala Wave' in America and the implications of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The group discusses the political plans of politicians at the ploughing. And Pager Panic; what do the pager bombings against Hezbollah mean for tensions in the Middle East? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

Gavan and Zara talk with Shireen Khero, an ISIS survivor, who discusses how she was taken from her home and the 10 year anniversary of the genocide of the Yazidi people in Syria. Team Taylor is Team Kamala; the international popstar has endorsed the presidential nominee after the first debate. And the Apple Tax Windfall; what will the tax ruling by the EU mean for the upcoming elections? Hosted on...

Just to let you know, we're back with our sixth (sixth!!) season this Wednesday! As always, we want to keep in touch with you - email us at thegroupchat@virginmedia.ie or follow us on social media ( @newschambers , @zaraking.news and @gavreilly ). We're back on TV this Wednesday night at 11pm on Virgin Media One, and in your podcast feeds first thing Thursday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

It turns out there's no such thing as the summertime 'silly season' in 2024… Richard, Zara and Gavan reassemble for an unplanned summer episode to talk about Joe Biden's dropout from the U.S. presidential race, the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and the impact the race might have on all of us - including here in Ireland. The good piece Richard mentions about the mood in the Biden camp...

Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Sarah Benson of Women's Aid on violence against women in Ireland following the assault of Natasha O'Brien by a member of the Defence Forces. Aer Lingus and the IALPA have agreed to enter into talks to resolve their dispute, but industrial action at the airline continues. And the Taylor Swift Eras Tour rolls into Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Norah Patten about her planned trip to space with Virgin Galactic in 2026 and what it means for the future of Irish space travel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the impact of Aer Lingus pilot's industrial action on the company and holidaymakers. Eamon Ryan stepping down as Green Party leader has created a tight race between Roderic O'Gorman and Pippa Hackett. And "Bí Cineálta": Norma Foley's new scheme to tackle bullying in schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard and Zara join Gavan to discuss the ongoing counts for MEPs in the Ireland South and Midlands-Northwest constituencies. They also analyse the results of the local elections and what they mean for the major parties. And Gavan speaks with Will Dalton from Virgin Media Sport for his perspective on Irish athletics and the recent results in the European Championships. Hosted on Acast. See acast....

Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the upcoming local and European elections and what the newest exit polls may suggest. Nigel Farage is making an ambitious 8th try for a position in the UK parliament in the July election. And Gail Platt is leaving Coronation Street; the group reflects on the character over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Palestine's Ambassador to Ireland, for her first in-studio interview after Ireland's recognition of Palestinian statehood and discuss the most recent tragedy in Rafah. RTÉ 2FM is facing significant challenges following a series of departures by its top talent. And do you trust Temu? The group discusses the online retail giant. Hosted on Acast...

Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss Ireland's recognition of Palestine as a state and what it means for future relations with Israel. A report by the Housing Commission and the lack of politicians knocking on doors could have impacts on the upcoming election. And did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard and Zara discuss the drama surrounding the New York Portal and its recent closure. They talk with journalists Jen Hogan and Patrick Freyne about how teenagers are reacting to what they see on TikTok. And Piers Morgan enters the discourse around Baby Reindeer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.