The Tonight Show

Homelessness in Ireland has climbed to a new record, sparking political backlash after Tánaiste Simon Harris claimed a “significant number” of people in emergency accommodation do not have a housing right in the State. What do the latest figures reveal — and where does responsibility lie? Joining the debate are Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy and homeless campaigner Alice L...

Guest host John Lee and his panel Neale Richmond, Patricia Stephenson, and Scott Lucas examine Donald Trump’s aggressive start to the year — from seizing Venezuela’s president to threats against Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and now Greenland, with military options reportedly under discussion. Later, Neale Richmond, Patricia Stephenson, and Alex Cooney discuss the European Commission’s investigation int...

2025 was certainly eventful. The Tonight Show looks back at the stories, moments, people and villains that defined the year. Guest presenter Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Shane Coleman, Newstalk Breakfast Presenter; Liz Carolan, Tech and Democracy Journalist; and Larry Donnelly, Lawyer and Political Columnist, to reflect on the political highs and lows of 2025 — including who had the strongest year...

The long-awaited report into Fianna Fáil’s presidential campaign has finally been published. It confirms that senior party figures were warned on two occasions — just days before the selection vote — about concerns involving Jim Gavin and a tenant issue. He was asked about it and professed no recollection. The report states: “Nothing further was done.” Joining the discussion are Fianna Fáil Minist...

A senior EU official has linked last week’s drones over Dublin Bay to “hybrid attacks from Russia” , marking the first public accusation of its kind. With Ireland set to host the EU presidency next year, how secure are we? John Mooney , Investigations Editor with The Sunday Times , former TD and retired Army Officer Cathal Berry , and Euronews Europe Correspondent Shauna Murray join the debate. La...

The Government is set to pilot a new digital age-verification system aimed at strengthening online protections for children. Minister for Communications Patrick O'Donovan says the tool will be vital in tackling harmful content and improving online safety. We discuss the implications with Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney, and Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with the Irish...

On The Tonight Show with Fionnán Sheahan: From ‘vetocracy to democracy’ - the government’s new Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan promises a cultural shift in Irish planning. We ask whether these reforms can finally rebalance individual rights to object with the need to deliver major public projects. And as the Herzog Park controversy reignites debate over historical links and colo...

On The Tonight Show with Fionnán Sheahan: Ireland hosts a wartime president as Volodymyr Zelensky arrives for a state visit, coinciding with reports that Moscow is weighing amendments to a US-backed peace plan. Plus, rumours are mounting that Gerry “The Monk” Hutch is preparing another bid for office in next year’s Dublin Central by-election. But what are his chances?  🏛️ Neale Richmond TD, M...

The Cabinet approves tougher asylum and citizenship rules , while Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan promises more changes ahead. At the same time, Ireland’s fiscal watchdog warns the Government to save more and stop “budgeting like there’s no tomorrow.” Debating the impact: Niall Collins , Gary Gannon , Naomi O’Leary , and Seamus Coffey . Big decisions. Big consequences — on The Tonight Show . Host...

IOn this episode, the cost of living surges back into focus as the price of home heating oil jumps by €80 in a single month , bringing the average cost of a 1,000-litre fill to around €980 — more than €200 higher than across the border. Fionnán Sheahan is joined by first-time TDs Catherine Callaghan (Fine Gael), Louis O’Hara (Sinn Féin), and Eoghan Kenny (Labour) to debate the pressure on househol...

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 th...

“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 Eim...

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...

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 G...

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 Irel...

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 ballo...

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-fou...

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...

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 Fergu...

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...

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 fin...

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. 🏛️ N...

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 ex...

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 face...

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...