The Tonight Show

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 almost half of Temple Street’s ICU beds are occupied by children with head injuries linked to accidents, pr...

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 representation during Garda custody, while the family of Shane O’Farrell calls for urgent action on bai...

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. Shane Coleman was joined by: Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State Richard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before...

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 Finance, Sinn Fein  Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times Ireland &...

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 is expected to be a contentious issue. Meanwhile, opposition parties are calling for a proposed meeting...

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 in the coming days, prompting renewed debate about preparedness and long-term adaptation. On The Tonight...

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 - hauliers call for temporary supports to remain, along with further tax reductions, despite t...

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 to Ukraine as tensions rise after a Russian warship incident in the English Channel Guest Presenter Sha...

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 viability. Plus, Ken Early joins us from Mexico City as we look ahead to the World Cup. Guest Presente...

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: Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State   Sinéad Gibney TD, Social Democrats   Mary...

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 Britain? Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: Paul McAuliffe TD, Fianna Fáil  David Cullin...

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 Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for International Development...

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 failed to benefit from transfers. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency warns Ireland is set t...

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 organisation, political direction, and the prospects for future left unity. Plus, debate continues ove...

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 increased rental supply.  And, "appalled and shocked" - the Minister for Foreign Affairs dema...

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 affairs at RTÉ as he meets with the Director General.  Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: Ni...

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 remain among the lowest in Europe, and road fatalities continue to rise. Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was j...

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 questions grow over tighter budget controls and possible spending cuts in 2026. In the UK, Keir Starmer faces...

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 the panel examines the drivers behind the cost-of-living pressures facing households. And in sport, an...

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 eased tensions for now, could rising fuel costs trigger renewed protests later in the year? Guest Prese...

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 mounting on the Government to act sooner on cost-of-living measures. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to rise...

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 levies, with warnings the rise could be unsustainable and calls for Coimisiún na Meán to urgently review...

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 Washington respond? At home, Leo Varadkar has apologised after remarks about rural Ireland triggered a pol...

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: Seamus McGrath TD, Fianna Fáil  Ged Nash TD, Labour Party spokesperson on Fina...

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 mounting on the Government? Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by John Clendennen, Gary Gannon, Mary...