Virgin Media Originals

The Tonight Show

News EN ↓ 801 episodes

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.

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Virgin Media Originals

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News

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

Wednesday 11 June - Health Insurance, Ballymena Unrest & Israeli War Bonds 11.06.2025

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy A sharp decline in people taking out private health insurance is raising serious concerns , as rising premiums push coverage out of reach and add more strain to the public system. In Ballymena, unrest has intensified with arrests and injuries after protests over a sexual assault case turned violent and racially charged. Meanwhile, the Central Bank say they c...

Tuesday 10 June - Will New Rent Rules Protect Tenants Or Push Up Prices? 10.06.2025

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy Cabinet has agreed on new rent measures aimed at boosting supply and protecting tenants. Rent caps will now apply nationwide, with stronger protections for existing tenants - but higher rent increases will be allowed in new-build apartments. Will the changes help tenants—or push prices up and drive landlords away? Meanwhile, Donald Trump is being accused of...

Wednesday 04 June 2025 - Starvation as a Weapon? Israel Halts Gaza Aid...Again 04.06.2025

Israel suspends aid into Gaza after more Palestinians are killed while queuing for food, amid claims Netanyahu’s government is using starvation as a weapon of war and undermining the UN. As Trinity College moves to cut ties with Israeli organisations, pressure grows on the Irish government to act. A new EPA report also warns Ireland’s infrastructure is unprepared for the growing threat of climate...

Tuesday 03 June 2025 - Bail Laws & IPAS Centres in Coolock: Ireland’s Policy Challenges 03.06.2025

In this episode, we examine two major issues shaping Ireland’s justice and migration policies. First, the case of 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald, who died by self-inflicted gunshot wounds after opening fire at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow. Fitzgerald was out on bail, despite Garda objections, for charges related to possession of guns, ammunition, and explosive materials. The Taoiseach says...

Wednesday 28 May - RTÉ Defends IT Write-Down And Promo Costs At Oireachtas Hearing 28.05.2025

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy RTÉ executives say they weren’t made aware of a €3.6 million write-down over a failed IT project until February . Appearing before an Oireachtas committee, the Director General also hit back at what he called "inaccurate" reporting around a leaked news promo — saying extras were used and the final cost will be under €100,000. Meanwhile, the Dáil rejected a S...

Tuesday 27 May - CHI Resignations, Missed Housing Targets & Bail Law Review 27.05.2025

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy Another wave of resignations from the Children’s Health Ireland board comes as pressure mounts over ongoing issues in children’s hospitals. Meanwhile, the Housing Committee was told government targets will be missed for the next two years . And following a state apology to Shane O’Farrell’s family, bail laws are now set to be reviewed. 🏛️ John Cummins TD, Mi...

Tuesday 20 May - Confronting Ireland’s Disability Assessment Backlog 20.05.2025

This episode shines a spotlight on Ireland’s deepening disability crisis. With over 15,000 children still waiting for an assessment of needs, and the number expected to rise to 25,000, 14-year-old disability campaigner Cara Darmody stages a powerful 50-hour protest outside Leinster House, demanding action. Joining the discussion are Lorraine Dempsey , Family Carer and Former CEO of Inclusion Irela...

Wednesday 14 May - Israel in Eurovision, Dangerous Driving, and Water Supply Concerns 14.05.2025

With air strikes ongoing and a blockade in Gaza now past ten weeks, we ask if Israel should be allowed to compete in this year’s Eurovision. We examine the Government’s approach to dangerous driving following a seven-year sentence for the man behind a fatal Monaghan crash. And with the dry spell set to continue, what impact will it have on Ireland’s water supply? Guests: 🏛️ Hildegarde Naughton, Mi...

Tuesday 13 May - Struggling Pubs, Social Media Bans, and a 'Mile-High Bribe' 13.05.2025

The Irish pub is under threat —can industry plans save your local? We visit one struggling pub in Co. Louth. Also— calls for a total social media ban for under-16s —is it realistic or just another headline grab? Donald Trump’s Gulf tour, a luxury jet, and claims of a “mile-high bribe ”. Guests: 🏛️ Ryan O'Meara TD, Fianna Fáil 🏛️ Ken O'Flynn TD, Independent Ireland 📰 Kevin Doyle, Head of News, Iri...

Wednesday 07 May - Eurovision Politics, Housing Tsar Chaos & Camogie Skorts Rows 07.05.2025

As the Eurovision Song Contest nears, RTÉ boss Kevin Bakhurst calls for a rethink on Israel’s participation, citing the war in Gaza. We’re joined by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne and Irish Independent political correspondent Gabija Gataveckaite, alongside former Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan. Also tonight – the government scrambles to find a new housing tsar...

Tuesday 06 May 2025 - Limerick’s Mayor, Housing Gridlock & A New Pope 06.05.2025

Host Gavan Reilly is joined by John Moran , Limerick’s first elected mayor, to reflect on his first year in office and his big housing plans. Then, political tensions rise over claims of phantom funding for Uisce Éireann — is Ireland’s housing supply being held back by infrastructure limits? Plus, live to the Vatican as cardinals prepare to elect the next Pope. Guests: 🏛️ John Moran, Mayor of Lime...

Wednesday 30 April - Trump's First 100 Days: What Can We Expect Next? 30.04.2025

In this episode of The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy : The first chapter of Trump’s second term brought executive orders, falling approval ratings and economic turbulence. Yet the US President still holds firm control at home and abroad — and remains revered by his base. So what should Ireland and the world expect next? Guests: Katty Kay, BBC US Special Correspondent & Host of The Rest is P...

Tuesday 29 April - New 'housing tsar', Kneecap facing backlash and falling tourism figures 29.04.2025

In this episode of The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: 🚨 Ireland's new housing 'tsar' - Government's latest proposal to tackle Ireland's housing crisis. 🚨 Kneecap under fire - UK politicians target the Northern Irish rap group over comments made about Tory MPs. 🚨 Falling tourism numbers - CSO data shows a sharp drop in those visiting Ireland, however, industry representatives are disputing th...

Wednesday 23 April - Ireland’s Wealth Divide, Lost Promises & Aid in Crisis – Who’s Paying the Price? 23.04.2025

In this episode of The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: 🚨 From Malahide to Skibbereen — new figures expose Ireland’s hidden wealth divide. Are rural communities being left behind? 🚨 Plus — the referendum that never was. What happened to Fine Gael’s pledge to give Irish citizens abroad a vote in presidential elections? 🚨 And with Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts shaking global aid efforts, is Ireland doin...

Tuesday 22 April - Pope Francis and the Future of the Church 22.04.2025

As Pope Francis is laid to rest in a simple wooden casket — a modest affair, in keeping with a humility that defined his papacy — we ask: what legacy does he leave behind? Over 12 years, Francis challenged tradition, spoke out for the poor, and confronted global issues from climate change to migration. But will the next Pope continue his reformist path, or mark a return to traditional values? Join...

Wednesday 16 April - Soaring House Prices, Climate Costs & Stalled Wage Hikes 16.04.2025

On this episode of #TonightVMTV – House prices have surged to nearly 20% above their 2007 pre-crash peak , fuelling affordability fears. Meanwhile, the Government’s climate plan is under fire for falling short of key targets — but who should pick up the "tab"? Plus, with plans to increase the minimum wage now paused , questions remain over whether low-paid workers will once again bear the brunt of...

Tuesday 15 April - Public v Private Sector & The Rising Cost of Unification 15.04.2025

On this episode of #TonightVMTV – The Government is set to shelve minimum wage plans and other worker benefits like extra paid sick leave, as it aims to shield the economy from a possible economic storm. We ask is there a divide emerging again in the treatment of private and public sector workers? We look at the cost of a United Ireland with a new survey showing a growing difference in living stan...

Wednesday 9 April - Trade War Fallout, Trump’s First 80 Days, and the Airbnb Backlash 09.04.2025

On this episode of #TonightVMTV – As the global trade war heats up, we speak to Tánaiste Simon Harris following his tense meeting with Donald Trump’s Commerce Secretary in Washington. With the EU hitting back with counter-tariffs , what’s at stake for Irish jobs, wages, and pensions as recession fears grow? We get live reaction from Brussels and assess Trump’s turbulent first 80 days in office. Pl...

Tuesday 8 April: EU Counter-Tariffs, Recession Fears, and the Streaming Levy Debate 08.04.2025

In this episode of #TonightVMTV we dive into the escalating international trade war as the EU strikes back with counter-tariffs — how will this impact Irish exporters? We speak to a major whiskey producer and discuss the political and economic fallout with our expert panel. As the government reluctantly mentions the "R-word" for the first time, is Ireland ready for a potential recession, and what’...

Wednesday 2 April - Trump's Sweeping Tariffs: Expert Analysis & Reaction 02.04.2025

Trump's tariff war has begun. President Trump unveils sweeping tariffs targeting the world’s economies, and the fallout is set to impact trade relations. But, what will it mean for Ireland? Gavan Reilly, Political Correspondent, will have live updates and analysis from Leinster House. Joining Kieran Cuddihy to discuss is: Seamus Coffey, Chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council Dan O’Brien, Chief...

Tuesday 1 April: Tariff Turmoil & Ceann Comhairle Confidence Vote 01.04.2025

On The Tonight Show: Ireland braces for economic shock as the Trump administration prepares to impose sweeping tariffs. Plus, we discuss the historic confidence motion in the Ceann Comhairle and whether the matter will finally be put to bed. Joining Kieran Cuddihy to discuss is: Barry Cowen MEP, Fianna Fáil Niall Stanage - White House Columnist, The Hill Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State, Departme...

Wednesday 26 March - Ceann Comhairle Showdown & US ‘Free-Loader’ Fallout 26.03.2025

Opposition TDs move against the Ceann Comhairle, drafting a motion declaring she no longer has the confidence of all Dáil members. But Verona Murphy insists she’s staying, rejecting claims of collusion as "entirely false." With the government backing her, what happens next? Plus, leaked US messages branding European allies as ‘free-loaders’ spark alarm among western leaders. Joining Kieran Cuddihy...

Tuesday 25 March - "Shame, Shame, Shame": Dáil Chaos, Metrolink Debate, and US Intel Oopsie 25.03.2025

On #TonightVMTV with Kieran Cuddihy, we break down the dramatic scenes in the Dáil as the government forces through changes to speaking rights for regional independents — is the Ceann Comhairle's position now in jeopardy? Plus, should Metrolink be scrapped in favour of faster, cheaper transport solutions? And U.S. intelligence chiefs respond to claims that classified war information was leaked via...

Wednesday 19 March - Amazon.ie Launches & Central Bank Warns on Housing 19.03.2025

Amazon Ireland arrives offering consumers faster delivers and no import duties. But what will the move mean for Irish retailers and for main streets across the country?  Plus, the Central Bank predicts that the Government will miss its housing targets for the next three years. And do the newly unsealed files reveal anything more about the assassination of JFK? Join Kieran Cuddihy as he discus...

Tuesday 18 March - McGregor at the White House & Covid Review 18.03.2025

Conor McGregor's visit to the White House for St Patrick’s Day unpacked. Five years on, will the state’s Covid lockdown evaluation reveal anything new? Plus, after nine months stranded in space, two astronauts are finally set to return to Earth tonight. Join Kieran Cuddihy as he discusses the issues with: Cormac Devlin TD, Fianna Fáil Mattie McGrath TD, Independent Richard Hogan, Psychotherapist a...

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