Wednesday 25 April - Ireland’s Soaring Costs, AI, and a Venetian Wedding For The 1%

With U.S. tariffs looming and EU trade policy at a crossroads, Tánaiste Simon Harris hints at a 10% rate becoming the "new normal." Lucinda Creighton, Kevin Doyle, and Dr. Nora Strecker unpack what this means for Ireland and beyond.Then, President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” clears the Senate — but what’s in it, and who wins or loses? Niall Stanage of The Hill joins the panel for a fiery breakdown.Finally, as President Michael D. Higgins prepares to step down, Ireland braces for its first presidential race in over a decade. The panel asks if Ireland really needs a President? It’s tariffs, Trump, and a turning point in Irish politics — all on The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show, we marked 160 days of the new coalition by asking: where are the bold solutions to the housing crisis?We also examined the shock news that student fees are rising again—despite previous government pledges to reduce them.Plus, as Europe swelters under extreme heat, with schools shut in France and bans on outdoor work in Italy, we ask: is this the new normal, and are we ready for it?Catch the full debate and analysis now.#TonightVMTV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Gavan Reilly Driven by economic growth, rising demands and government policies, Ireland is now ranked as Europe’s second most-expensive country. But for many, the prosperity is not trickling down. Also, what does the future hold for jobs and the economy in an AI world, and can Ireland keep up?  Plus, gondolas and angry locals: Jeff Bezos’ wedding brings Venice to a standstill.🏛️ Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, Fianna Fáil 🏛️ Darren O’Rourke TD, Sinn Féin, 🎓 Dr Emma Howard, Economist, TU Dublin 📰 Sinead Ryan, Journalist & Broadcaster📰 Emmet Ryan, Tech Journalist 👨‍💻 Mark Kelly, Founder, AI Ireland  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Gavan ReillyAfter the missiles came the F-bombs - Donald Trump furious as both Israel and Iran appear to flout the terms of his brokered ceasefire.As the EU threatens consequences over Gaza, Ireland prepares a bill to ban goods from occupied Palestinian territories.And the trailer drops for Saipan — but 20 years on, does Keane v McCarthy still stir the same emotion?🏛️ Catherine Callaghan TD, Fine Gael🏛️ Duncan Smith TD, Labour Party🎓 Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute, UCD📰 Daniel McConnell, Editor, The Business Post📰 Daniel Hussey, Sports Journalist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On tonight’s episode of The Tonight Show, we examined the government’s response to overcrowding at Oberstown Child Detention Centre after two Dublin teenagers were released despite being denied bail. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan announced the creation of extra spaces, citing the need to protect public safety.Joining the discussion were Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher, Solas Project’s Ashling Golden, children’s law barrister Amy Deane, and court correspondent Tom Tuite.We also turned to Washington, where President Trump said he had yet to decide whether to deploy B-52 bombers to Iran. Our correspondent Toni Waterman explored the divisions within Trump’s inner circle and MAGA supporters as the situation evolved.And finally, Belfast rapper Liam O’Hanna — known as Mo Chara of Kneecap — appeared in a London court facing a terrorism charge linked to alleged support for Hezbollah. He was granted unconditional bail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On tonight’s episode of The Tonight Show, we break down the government’s push for emergency legislation to extend rent caps nationwide—potentially by Friday. While part of a broader rental reform plan, Housing Minister James Browne admits the changes could leave some renters, including students, without protection. We also examine the government’s €148 million purchase of the CityWest Hotel, now set to become a permanent centre for international protection applicants. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan defends the move as “value for money.” Plus, we turn to the escalating rhetoric from Donald Trump, who has threatened Iran’s Supreme Leader while claiming control of the skies over Iran. Could this signal deeper U.S. involvement in the Middle East? Joining the discussion: Minister of State Neale Richmond, Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty, and Irish Mirror political correspondent Louise Burne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 cannot refuse sale of Israeli war bonds.🏛️ Claire Kerrane TD, Sinn Féin 📰 Mary Regan, Political Editor, Irish Independent 🏥 Ger Conalty, Head of Health Insurance, SYS Financial 📰 Eamonn McCann, Activist & Journalist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran CuddihyCabinet 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 intentionally fuelling unrest in LA after sending in 700 marines and thousands of troops to deal with protests. One opponent called it “the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president.”🏛️ Micheál Carrigy TD, Fine Gael, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing 🏛️ Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit💼 Carol Tallon, CEO, Property District👨‍🏫 Michael Byrne, Lecturer, School of Social Policy, UCD 🏘️ Marcus O'Connor, Managing Director, MFO The Property Professionals📰 Toni Waterman, News Correspondent, Live from LA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 shocks, calling for urgent action.Guests include Leila Molana-Allen (PBS), Lazar Berman (The Times of Israel), Juliette Touma (UNRWA), Paul McAuliffe TD, Jennifer Whitmore TD, Fintan Drury, Eoghan McNeill and Prof John Sweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 a review of bail laws is now underway, though significant changes may be constitutionally challenging.Then, we look at the government’s decision to scrap plans for an international protection centre at the former Crown Paints Factory in Coolock. Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy said the change reflects a shift towards State-acquired properties and IPAS centres. The local group ‘Coolock Says No’ called it a “great victory.”We’ll discuss the implications of these developments and what they mean for justice and housing policy in Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.