Vladimir Putin skips peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy — we hear from Ukrainians in Ireland who fear a sustained peace may never come.

One year into the job, is Simon Harris facing internal pressure in Fine Gael?

And a new report on the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed scandal reveals no value-for-money checks and no accountability.

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This week on The Group Chat, Richard is reporting live from Vatican City, where all eyes are fixed on the iconic chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the world awaits the white smoke.

Zara checks in from Sweden, where 'flat-pack homes' are transforming housing – though Gavan remains unconvinced the model could take root in Ireland.

Also on the show, Killian Woods from the Sunday Business Post joins to unpack Ireland’s staggering $967 billion ‘tax mirage’ – what it means and why has it increased so quickly.

Plus, a broadcasting era ends as Joe Duffy hangs up the mic at Liveline.

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Belfast rap trio KNEECAP are being investigated by UK counter-terror police over comments made during past performances. But is the media missing the mark? The panel unpacks whether the controversy is a backlash against protest music, a distraction from the deepening crisis in Gaza, or both. The discussion focuses on public reaction, political response, and how music has long sparked uncomfortable conversations.

Also in this episode:

- The Government faces backlash over the so-called “Housing Czar” salary plan

- 39 people, including children, are deported to Georgia from Dublin

- A public appeal from the family of Michael Gaine, as Gardaí upgrade the investigation to homicide

Subscribe now for the latest political analysis, cultural commentary and what’s making headlines across Ireland.

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On The Group Chat this week, Richard is live from Vatican City as thousands gather in St Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis - but did he have a chance encounter with the next pope? Or is Dubliner Cardinal Kevin Farrell going to bring it home for Drimnagh?

Also on this episode, Gavan And Zara discuss the changes to how teachers are appointed and their potential consequences.

Plus, why are gigs north of the border so much cheaper?

📺 You can watch this episode of The Group Chat on Virgin Media Play or on the Virgin Media News YouTube.

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With Ireland’s housing crisis at breaking point, The Group Chat asks the big question: Why does it take so long to get any infrastructure projects off the ground?

Zara King, Richard Chambers and Gavan Reilly dig into delays, frustrations, and what's holding Ireland back.

Also on this week’s episode:

🚈 Cork’s new Luas plan – is it realistic or just another promise?

🇺🇸 A stark warning for J1 students heading to the US

🌍 Gaza coverage – why is attention waning?

🚀 And Katy Perry’s strange trip to space

🎧 Listen now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts

📺 Subscribe for more weekly episodes of The Group Chat

#TheGroupChat #HousingCrisis #Ireland #J1Visa #Gaza #KatyPerry #CorkLuas

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On The Group Chat this week: Donald Trump hits the brakes on his sweeping tariffs – but is it a tactical retreat or just a pause? And what does it mean for Ireland's economic outlook?

The team also dive into the latest developments in the CHI spinal surgery scandal and the ongoing search for missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine.

Plus, is Dubai chocolate worth the hype?

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💶This week on The Group Chat Podcast, we dive into the latest tariff turmoil surrounding Trump – what does it mean for your pay and your pocket? 

📚Plus, we’re joined in studio by a mother who’s ready to chain herself to the school gates to ensure her autistic son gets an appropriate school place this September. 

🎧Tune in now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Richard and Gavan take a deep dive into the Dáil row that could cost Verona Murphy her position as Ceann Comhairle.

War plans in another group chat, we explain the White House Signal security scandal.

Plus, is Irish football back?

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The group is back together in studio to discuss the fallout of Conor McGregor's White House invitation on St. Patrick's Day and what it means for future US-Ireland relations.

Israel has broken its ceasefire with Hamas through a renewed series of bombings, while the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire is still up in the air.

And Amazon has launched a dedicated Irish website; will this impact smaller businesses across the country?

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Gavan takes Zara and Richard inside Donald Trump's famous home in Washington as he prepares for his meeting with the Taoiseach.

The group also discuss the latest moves towards a ceasefire in Ukraine as Kyiv agrees to back the American peace plan.

They also speak to Guardian International Correspondent Michael Safi about the latest unrest in Syria, ISIS and fears of a civil war.

Later Zara gives her verdict on Meghan Markle's new Netflix 'lifestyle series.

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