Wednesday 4 March - Stranded and Soaring Costs: Ireland, the Middle East and Rising Prices

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.And in space news, Artemis II set for orbit, marking the first fully-crewed lunar mission since 1972.Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:Shane Moynihan TD, Fianna Fail Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats Daniel McConnell, Editor, Business Post Leo Enright, Space Commentator & BroadcasterAmy Tarkanian, Republican StrategistProf Lisa Ryan, UCD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Neville TD, Fine Gael spokesperson on Infrastructure and Delivery Lynn Boylan MEP, Sinn Fein Aisling Moloney, Political Reporter, Irish Independent  Patrick Bury, former British Army Captain and NATO analyst Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 - raising fresh uncertainty about where the conflict is heading.And in Prague, thousands of Irish fans gather ahead of a crucial World Cup playoff.Can the Boys in Green take a major step towards ending a 24-year wait?Shane Coleman was joined by:John Connolly TD, Fianna Fail Duncan Smith TD, Labour Megan O’Brien, Political Reporter, Business Post  Daragh Cassidy of Bonkers.ie Elaine Burke, Technology JournalistRay Houghton, Former Ireland International  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and EmploymentRose Conway-Walsh TD, Sinn FeinMartina Lawless, Director, ESRILorcan Roche Kelly, Business Editor, Irish Farmers JournalAnn-Marie Keegan, Virgin Media Sports Reporter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Profit-Solidarity Dr. Emma Howard, Lecturer in Economics TU Dublin Larry Donnelly, Lawyer and Political Columnist  Richard Chambers, News Correspondent, Virgin Media News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the carbon tax to protect Irish consumers?Plus, as the Taoiseach prepares to travel to Washington, reports suggest he is bringing a promise of $6.1 billion in investment to the Oval Office. But with tensions escalating globally, could Ireland’s foreign direct investment advantage face new risks?Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna FailSorca Clarke TD, Sinn FéinAidan Regan, Professor of Political Economy, UCDKevin Doyle, Group Head of News, Irish IndependentSean Bell, Military Analyst Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ahead of his upcoming visit to the White House.Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:Louise Burne - Political Correspondent, Irish ExaminerJames Geoghegan - Fine Gael TDMichael Fitzmaurice - Independent Ireland TDDr. Oliver Browne - Lecturer in Accounting, University College CorkGer Hyland - President, Irish Road Haulage AssociationKaty Balls, Washington Editor, The Times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times Ireland Hannah Murphy, Reporter Virgin Media News at Dublin AirportBarra Roantree, Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College DublinTara Kangarlou, Global Affairs Journalist  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:Neale Richmond TD, Minister of StateSinead Gibney TD, Social DemocratsScott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, UCDSecunder Kermani, Foreign Affairs Correspondent in Tel AvivProf Aoife Foley, Chair of Net Zero Infrastructure, University of Manchester Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 and Russian shadow fleets, with closer cooperation that could see British and French vessels patrolling Irish waters.And despite security concerns and calls for boycott, the FAI says it has “no choice” but to host Israel at the Aviva Stadium this October.Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by Seamus McGrath, Patricia Stephenson, Eimer McAuley, Conor Gallagher and Mark Mellett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.