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, Resear...
Jul 31, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 104
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 🎓...
Jul 29, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 103
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 spokesperso...
Jul 22, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 101
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....
Jul 16, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 100
The government has ruled out any new cost of living supports in the upcoming budget, citing falling inflation and a shift toward infrastructure investment. Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the move in Leaders’ Questions, while Tanaiste Simon Harris confirmed one-off measures will be scrapped. But with reduced VAT for hospitality still costing over €700 million annually, has the government prepared for the political fallout? Also on the show: the Tanaiste warns of serious risks from potential US...
Jul 15, 2025•43 min•Season 17Ep. 99
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: Is it finally time to copy other countries and introduce a ‘tourist tax’ in Ireland? Will Trump pose 200% tariffs on pharmaceuticals , or will he chicken-out? And Elon Musk’s Grok AI sparks social media outrage with Hitler praise . 📰 Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Mirror 📰 Thomas Hubert, Editor, The Currency 📈 David W. Higgins, Economist 📰 Mick Clifford, Irish Examiner 🏨 Michael Magner, President, Irish Hotels Federation Hosted on Acast...
Jul 09, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 98
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy Cabinet agrees to ease apartment size rules in an effort to reduce costs and increase supply. But will the plan do either? Plus, pressure mounts on government over lack of cost of living supports in the next budget , after Barnardos survey reveals scale of families pushed to brink by rising costs. And the r ace for the Aras finally gets interesting , after Mary Lou McDonald refuses to rule herself out as a presidential candidate. 🏛️ James Geoghegan TD, Fi...
Jul 08, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 97
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 firs...
Jul 02, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 96
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...
Jul 01, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 95
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...
Jun 25, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 94
On The Tonight Show with Gavan Reilly After 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 I...
Jun 24, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 93
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 tur...
Jun 18, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 92
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'Call...
Jun 17, 2025•47 min•Season 17Ep. 91
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 Ed...
Jun 11, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 90
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 intentionally fuelling unrest in LA after sending in 700 marines and thousands of troops to deal wit...
Jun 10, 2025•47 min•Season 17Ep. 89
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 ...
Jun 04, 2025•47 min•Season 17Ep. 89
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 challengi...
Jun 03, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 88
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 Sinn Féin motion that sought to block the Central Bank from approving the sale of Israeli ‘war bonds’...
May 28, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 88
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, Minister of State, Department of Housing 🏛️ Mark Wall TD. Labour Party Spokesperson for Children 📰 ...
May 27, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 87
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 Ireland, Keira Keogh TD , Fine Gael member of the Committee on Disability Matters, and Paul Lawless TD , ...
May 20, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 85
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, Minister of State, Fine Gael 🏛️ Louise O'Reilly TD, Sinn Fein 📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Ir...
May 14, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 84
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, Irish Independent 📰 Nick Harper, U.S. News Correspondent 🍽️ Adrian Cummins, CEO Restaurants Associa...
May 13, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 83
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 after Brendan McDonagh steps away, and the Uisce Éireann funding row resurfaces. Ian Lawlor of Round...
May 07, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 82
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 Limerick 🏛️ Barry Ward TD, Fine Gael 🏛️ Conor Sheehan TD, Labour Housing Spokesperson 📰 Louise Burne...
May 06, 2025•45 min•Season 17Ep. 81
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 Politics US Mark Little, Journalist and Tech Entrepreneur Cormac Lucey, Economics Columnist, Sunday T...
Apr 30, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 80
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 the figures. Guests: Martin Daly TD, Fianna Fail Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin Sarah McGuinness, Politica...
Apr 29, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 79
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 doing enough to protect development funding? Guests: Neale Richmond TD , Minister of State for Diaspora ...
Apr 23, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 78
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? Joining us for this in-depth debate are Jesuit theologian Gerry O’Hanlon , theologian and lecturer Gina ...
Apr 22, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 78
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 global economic instability. Joining Kieran Cuddihy on the panel: Billy Kelleher MEP, Fianna Fáil P...
Apr 16, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 77
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 standards north and south of the border. Plus rise of the machines, we investigate the growing AI creep ...
Apr 15, 2025•46 min•Season 17Ep. 76
