The Tonight Show

European Defence Ministers meet in Ireland as questions grow over the country’s limited defence capabilities and reliance on its nearest neighbour for security. With closer NATO ties also under discussion, how much pressure is Irish neutrality under?

Plus, as cost-of-living pressures mount, how long can Government continue deferring carbon taxes and reversing excise cuts to shield households from rising prices?

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State  

Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein  

Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief, Bloomberg 

Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent  

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Tributes continue following the death of Glen Hansard. Friends and colleagues reflect on the life and legacy of the Oscar-winning musician and frontman of The Frames, described by Bono as the "Voice of the streets".

Plus, our final political panel of the season debates the deepening legal aid dispute, an under-subscribed fuel support scheme despite months of protests, and looks back on a turbulent 18 months of Donald Trump's second term ahead of the US midterms.

Shane Coleman is joined by Victoria Mary Clarke, Niall Stanage, Paula Butterly, Michael Fitzmaurice and Kevin Doyle.

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Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet again at the White House — has their turbulent relationship finally thawed?

As wildfires rage across France and Spain, and firefighters battle blazes in Munster, is Ireland prepared for more extreme fire seasons?

Plus, the All-Ireland celebrations continue in Ballyhaunis.

Shane Coleman is joined by Robert Troy, Patricia Stephenson, Larry Donnelly, Naomi O’Leary and John Gibbons.

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The Government has set aside €8.5 billion for tax measures and higher spending ahead of Budget 2027. But how far will that money go — and does the Government have the fiscal discipline to deliver?

Plus, RTÉ's latest pay figures spark fresh debate, with executives making up nine of the broadcaster's top 10 earners.

Shane Coleman is joined by Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers, James Geoghegan, Pearse Doherty and Dr Emma Howard.

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Finance Minister Simon Harris says income tax cuts will be a priority for Budget 2027, but questions remain over whether narrowing the tax base is economically sustainable and who will benefit from a proposed savings scheme.

Meanwhile, with energy prices facing renewed pressure from tensions in the Persian Gulf, we ask whether the Government is doing enough to protect households from potential winter cost shocks.

Guest Presenter Fionnan Sheahan was joined by:

Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist, Institute of International and European Affairs

Michael Taft, Researcher, SIPTU

Megan O’Brien, Political Reporter, Business Post

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor, Financial Times

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Ireland’s extended heatwave has raised questions about how prepared the country is for extreme weather, as a hosepipe ban was announced, crèches closed early, roads melted and fires raged in Kerry.

The panel also examined the angry exchanges in the Dáil over plans for apartments on part of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home site, where the remains of 859 children are still unaccounted for.

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

John ConnollyTD, Fianna Fáil

Senator Laura Harmon, Labour 

Elaine Dunne, Chairperson, Federation of Early Childhood Providers

Prof. John Sweeney, Maynooth University

Patricia Carey, Special Advocate for Survivors

Cllr Terry Shannon (FF), Cork City Council 

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Are scramblers and e-scooters becoming an epidemic of reckless behaviour? Can Ireland protect artists from industrial-scale AI copyright theft? And as the World Cup reaches the semi-finals… is it ever acceptable to support England?

Shane Coleman was joined by:

Michael Murphy TD, Fine Gael 

Daniel Ennis TD, Social Democrats 

Orla Ryan, News Reporter, The Irish Times 

Sarah Glennane, CEO, Screen Composers Guild of Ireland  

David Keenan, Singer-songwriter 

Simon Tierney, Journalist

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Metrolink moves a step closer after Transport Infrastructure Ireland acquires a major section of O’Connell Street, but questions remain over rising costs and whether Ireland’s biggest infrastructure project could become a financial burden.

Meanwhile, concerns grow over e-scooter safety after almost half of Temple Street’s ICU beds are occupied by children with head injuries linked to accidents, prompting calls for tighter regulation.

And the FAI votes on whether to proceed with the controversial Ireland vs Israel fixtures — but will the decision settle the debate?

Shane Coleman was joined by:

Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil   

Aidan O’Farrelly TD, Soc Dems  

Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor, Irish Examiner 

Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor, Irish Independent 

John Joe O'Connell, Vice President, GRA

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Sinn Féin’s proposal for a United Ireland preparations bill faces opposition from Government, reigniting debate over who should lead the conversation on a future referendum and the path towards unity.

Meanwhile, questions grow over the justice system after a murder accused was left without legal representation during Garda custody, while the family of Shane O’Farrell calls for urgent action on bail reform.

And in the UK, Nigel Farage triggers another by-election after resigning as an MP — only to seek re-election again amid questions over his political future.

Shane Coleman was joined by:

James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael   

Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein    

Emma DeSouza, Journalist 

Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at DCU 

Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager at Irish Penal Reform Trust 

Anna Gross, Political correspondent, Financial Times

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Ireland begins its EU presidency amid growing pressure over defence, neutrality and online regulation. We examine whether Ireland can remain an impartial broker, ask if tech regulation is compromised by its ties to Big Tech, and discuss why illegal scramblers remain a danger despite Grace's Law.

Shane Coleman was joined by:

Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State

Richard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before Profit - Solidarity

Aisling Maloney, Political Reporter, Irish Independent

Johnny Ryan, Director of Enforce, ICCL

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