Tuesday 16 September - Blackface, Ballots & The Bombardment of Gaza

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: The Dáil returns with the budget now firmly in sight, and opposition TDs are hitting out over the removal of energy credits amid spiralling costs. Meanwhile, the Ceann Comhairle is calling for a cross-party legislative response to growing threats against politicians, including attacks on the Tánaiste’s family. We unpack what measures might be proposed and what this means for both politics and public confidence.Plus, Donald Trump's UK state visit.🏛️ Niall Collins TD, Minister of State, Department of Justice🏛️ Matt Carthy TD, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson📰 Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns faces a tough return to the office after photos emerged of deputy Eoin Hayes in blackface at a Halloween party 16 years ago. Meanwhile, independent presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan secures the green light in Tipperary thanks to a rogue Fine Gael councillor. Plus, the UN releases a devastating report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza🏛️ Paula Butterly TD, Fine Gael🏛️ Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats📰 John Lee, Executive Editor, Irish Daily Mail Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Tonight Show, we tackle recent threats to Tánaiste Simon Harris’ family and ask how political intimidation can be de-escalated. We also explore Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s moves on presidential nominations, and hear from the outgoing British Ambassador on UK/Ireland relations. Guests include TDs Neale Richmond and Peadar Tóibín, and Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor of the Irish Independent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fianna Fáil has chosen former Dublin manager Jim Gavin as its presidential candidate — but with divisions in the party and Sinn Féin yet to make their move, will Catherine Connolly emerge as the left’s choice or could a late twist change the race for the Áras?At the same time, food and fuel costs continue to spiral as the government confirms the upcoming Budget will drop one-off cost-of-living measures. Will targeted supports be enough, or are households being left behind?Fianna Fáil TD Shane Moynihan, Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh, and Virgin Media Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly join the debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: We discuss domestic crime issues in the New Garda Commissioner’s first week and hear from an Independent presidential hopeful who has pledged to “make crime illegal.”Plus, we look at the debate over the Irish tricolour being used by anti-immigration campaigners – should it be raised, removed, or reclaimed?Also, with the Gardaí now able to access evidence from Enchrochat, can organised crime finally be held to account? 📰 Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor, Sunday World 🏛️ Barry Ward TD, Fine Gael  🏛️ Gary Gannon TD, Social Democrats  🔴 Nick Delehanty, Independent Presidential Hopeful  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: Joined in studio by former meteorologist Joanna Donnelly, who has just declared her interest in running for president, we unpack the latest developments in the race for the Áras.🔴 Joanna Donnelly, Former Meteorologist & Presidential Hopeful🏛️ Paul McAuliffe TD, Fianna Fáil🏛️ Mairéad Farrell TD, Sinn Féin📰 Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: With rising resignations, low recruitment and a Garda hospitalised after an unprovoked stabbing in Dublin; just what lies ahead in the in-tray of the new Garda Commissioner?And, with more than 9 out of 10 Irish people worried about the daily cost of living, and no one-off lump sums expected; are we heading for an austerity Budget for 2026?🏛️ Regina Doherty MEP, Fine Gael 📰 Cormac O'Keeffe, Security Correspondent, Irish Examiner🔴 Michael Taft, Research Officer, SIPTU  📰 John Lee, Political Editor, Irish Mail on Sunday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:The government seeks to overhaul planning laws in order to boost housing supply, but should garden cabins really be exempt? Plus, Europe capitulates to Trump over tariffs, but what does the trade deal mean for budget planning and Irish jobs? And should the Irish hospitality sector still get its tax cut? 🏛️Billy Kelleher MEP, Fianna Fáil🏛️Ciaran Mullooly MEP, Independent Ireland🏠 Robin Mandal, former president, Royal Institute of Architects Ireland🎓Martina Lawless, Director, ESRI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: The Government unveils its big investment plan for the next decade, with new funding earmarked for housing, water and Metrolink. But where's the detail to match the ambition? And what tariffs? Despite dire warnings over trade and FDI, today's budget projections present a "business as usual" tax and spending plan. 🏛️ Emer Higgins TD, Minister of State, Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform🏛️ Mairéad Farrell TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Public Expenditure📰 Daniel Murray, Policy Editor, Business Post Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a stormy first six months for the newly-formed coalition — from bitter rows over speaking rights to growing pressure on healthcare and housing. Has the government weathered the storm, or are cracks already showing?In this episode of The Tonight Show, Bríd Smith, John Lee, and Gabija Gataveckaite hand out gold stars (and some red cards) as they dissect a turbulent political term and what it signals for the months ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.