Virgin Media Originals
The Tonight 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.
Author
Virgin Media Originals
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 8, 2026
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Episodes
Tuesday 14 April - Healy-Rae Resigns & Government Confidence Shaken 14.04.2026 46:13
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 joined by Timmy Dooley, Claire Kerrane, Claire Scott and Fionnán Sheahan, with reporting from Gavan Reil...
Wednesday 8 April - Fuel Standoff at Home, Ceasefire Strain Abroad 08.04.2026 46:15
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, tensions ease slightly in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has pulled back, with Iran agreeing to...
Tuesday 7 April - Convoys And Consequences: Fuel Protests Grip Ireland 07.04.2026 46:04
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 are mounting over whether the government will be forced to act. Could fuel rationing become a reality -...
Wednesday 1 April - NATO Questions, Fuel Disruptions and Lunar Lift Off 02.04.2026 46:07
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 working and reduced travel, and government guidance on conserving energy is expected in the coming weeks. A...
Tuesday 31 March - Fuel Fears, US-Iran Fallout & Israel’s Military Measures 01.04.2026 44:51
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 war, even as US-Iran talks are described as “productive” Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by: Joe N...
Wednesday 25th March: Energy Pressures, Cost-of-Living Questions And A Huge Test In Prague 25.03.2026 46:18
Fuel prices are beginning to ease, but for how long? As the government signals that “targeted and temporary” supports could be revisited, questions remain over whether households are truly out of the woods. With war-driven energy costs still feeding into inflation, the ESRI warns more pressure is on the way. Meanwhile, confusion surrounds Donald Trump’s claims of “very good” talks with Iran - rais...
Tuesday 24th March - Economic Pressure, Political Tensions And Ireland’s Next Moves 24.03.2026 46:27
The pressure is building on the government as economic uncertainty and rising costs continue to dominate the agenda. On the show, we asked what more can be done to support households and businesses. Plus, the political stakes are rising, with key policy choices set to shape the direction of the economy and the government’s response. Shane Coleman is joined by: Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State at...
Wednesday 18 March - Rising Fuel Costs And Global Tensions: Ireland’s Energy Challenge 18.03.2026 46:08
Ireland faces a triple energy challenge — the Government plans an “appropriate intervention” to tackle rising fuel costs, oil prices spike after gas field attacks in Iran and Qatar, and debate grows over whether to buy US liquified natural gas to keep American tech firms satisfied. Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by: Martin Daly TD, Fianna Fáil Richard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before...
Wednesday, 11th March - Oil Crisis And Oval Office Politics: How Exposed Is Ireland? 11.03.2026 46:08
The International Energy Agency has agreed the largest release of oil reserves in history, while the EU is considering measures to subsidise gas prices. Yet oil continues to climb as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and Tehran threatens prices of up to $200 a barrel while targeting tankers. So how bad could the economic fallout become - and should the government cut energy taxes and suspend th...
Tuesday 10th March - Energy Costs, Iran War And Pressure Before The White House Trip 10.03.2026 46:18
The panel discussed rising energy costs and calls for government intervention as concerns grow over fuel affordability. The panel also examined the escalating Iran war and the potential consequences for global oil supply and the wider economy. We also looked at the political implications at home, including whether President Connolly’s criticism of the conflict could add pressure on the Taoiseach a...
Wednesday 4 March - Stranded and Soaring Costs: Ireland, the Middle East and Rising Prices 04.03.2026 45:44
A first flight brings hope for Irish citizens stranded in the Middle East, but questions remain on how quickly everyone will return. Plus, rising oil and fuel costs, cost-of-living pressures, and the potential impact on inflation and food prices. Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by: Albert Dolan TD, Fianna Fáil Matt Carthy TD, Sinn Féin Claire Scott, Politica...
Tuesday 3 March: Ireland and the Middle East Conflict: War, Diplomacy, and Global Markets 03.03.2026 46:11
The Middle East conflict is intensifying, with Iran targeting oil-producing neighbours and global markets rattled. The #TonightVMTV panel discuss Trump’s five-week timeline, the EU’s stance, Ireland’s position ahead of Micheál Martin’s White House visit, and the impact of doubling gas prices on Irish consumers – including questions around potential price gouging and government intervention. Guest...
Wednesday 25 February - Landlord Says Rents Could Rise 25% – What It Means for Tenants 25.02.2026 46:09
The country’s biggest landlord has told investors they’ll be able to raise rents by up to 25%, saying the regulatory landscape in Ireland has changed “for the better” ahead of new tenancy rules taking effect this weekend. The Taoiseach has defended the reforms — but what does it mean for renters? The Government unveils its first National Maritime Security Strategy, aimed at tackling hybrid warfare...
Tuesday 24th February - Government U-Turn on SNA Cuts – What Happens Next? 24.02.2026 46:02
A dramatic government U-turn on Special Needs Assistant cuts. Nearly 200 schools were facing potential impact — now the review is scrapped and €19 million in additional support will go ahead. What changed? Are we facing a graduate jobs crisis as AI disrupts the labour market? And should League of Ireland clubs lose funding over hooliganism? Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by Fianna Fáil TD...
Wednesday 18 February - House Prices 20% Above Peak – Is the Affordability Crisis Here to Stay? 18.02.2026 46:02
House prices are now more than 20% above the 2007 peak. Demand is high. Supply is short. So where does that leave would-be homeowners? Crowds gather outside The Hoxton Hotel as a legal row over late-night DJs sparks a bigger question – is Dublin becoming a city for tourists first and residents second? And we break down the runners and riders in the Dublin Central by-election. With Mary Fitzpatrick...
Tuesday 17th February - SNA Review Backlash and the Future of Classroom Support 17.02.2026 45:57
Guest presenter Shane Coleman leads a lively Tonight Show debate. First, the minister for education pauses a controversial review of Special Needs Assistant allocations after backlash from teachers and parents fearing major cuts to classroom support. Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty, Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion, and Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford share their views. Later, Mosco...
Wednesday February 11 - Scrambler Safety & ICE Detention Questions 12.02.2026 42:54
Why was stronger action on scrambler bikes not taken sooner? Following Colette Fitzpatrick’s Big Interview with Siobhan Lynch, whose daughter Grace died after being struck by a scrambler in Dublin, our panel examines gaps in public safety enforcement and what changes may now follow. And as US authorities reject appeals on behalf of Irishman Seamus Culleton, we speak to his attorney about what come...
Tuesday 10 February - The Detention of Seamus Culleton 10.02.2026 46:03
Guest presenter Richard Chambers begins tonight’s programme with the story of Seamus Culleton — an Irish citizen detained in a Texas ICE facility for five months despite having a valid US work permit and no criminal record. Amid growing concern over the conditions he describes as “absolute hell,” there are increasing calls for Taoiseach Micheál Martin to intervene. Joining the discussion are Fiann...
Wednesday 4 February - X A No Show At The Oireachtas as Pressure Grows to Rein In Social Media 04.02.2026 45:59
X was a notable no-show as executives from major social media platforms faced tough questioning before the Oireachtas Media Committee. The Taoiseach branded X’s decision not to appear as “concerning” and “disrespectful” — but how far is the Government really willing to go in standing up to Big Tech? John Lee is joined by Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming , Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly , and Elaine Burke...
Tuesday 3rd February - Ireland's Flood Defences, Social Media Bans, and the Mandelson Investigation 03.02.2026 45:59
Guest presenter John Lee leads tonight’s discussion. Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris joins to talk flooding responsibility, the Mercosur deal, and restricting teens on social media. Later, Michael Fitzmaurice, John Gibbons, and Joanna Donnelly debate Ireland’s flood defences. Plus, Enda Brady updates us on Peter Mandelson’s resignation from the House of Lords amid the Epstein invest...
Wednesday 28th January - Flood Warnings, Garda Vetting and Ireland’s Neutrality Debate 28.01.2026 46:10
Storm Chandra brings renewed rain and flood warnings for counties across the east and south east, leaving homeowners and businesses facing devastation and raising fresh anger over Ireland’s preparedness for extreme weather. John Lee is joined by Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins , Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford to discuss the floodin...
Tuesday 27th January - Scrambler Safety, Rental Reform and Storm Chandra Fallout 27.01.2026 46:11
The death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch in Finglas has reignited calls for tougher action on scramblers and e-scooters on public roads. After the teenager was fatally struck by a scrambler bike that ran a red light, the Taoiseach acknowledged in the Dáil that proposals to ban scramblers had previously been brought forward — but never enacted. Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Fine Gael TD James G...
Tuesday 20th January - Russian Drones, Rural Drug Gangs & Storm Bram 20.01.2026 46:14
One year on from his inauguration, Donald Trump appears determined to follow through on promises to expand US power — with Greenland now firmly in his sights. Asked how far he is willing to go to acquire the territory, the US president responded: “You’ll find out.” What does this mean for Europe, and how should leaders respond? Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Minister of State for European A...
Wednesday 14 January - Ireland's Asylum Reform and Trump’s Greenland Gamble 14.01.2026 46:01
Are proposed changes to Ireland’s asylum and immigration laws fair – or too harsh? Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Fine Gael TD Joe Neville, Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín and Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Louise Burne to debate the Government’s reform plans and what they mean in practice. The focus then shifts to international tensions as Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Greenland, insist...
Tuesday 13th January- Mercosur Fallout and the Grok Deepfake Row Put Government Under Pressure 13.01.2026 46:05
With the Dáil back in session, the Government faces fresh criticism after the EU approved the controversial Mercosur trade deal — despite a last-minute vote against it by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Farmers’ groups say Ireland was “sold out”. Did the Government do enough to object? Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney and Irish...
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