The Tonight Show

Fuel cuts extended to September. Is the Government afraid of more protests? 

Plus, are the one-off rural housing changes a solid foundation for future generations?

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Seamus McGrath TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Fianna Fail 

Pearse Doherty TD, Spokesperson on Finance, Sinn Fein 

Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times Ireland  

Kevin McPartlan, CEO Fuels for Ireland 

John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist 

Donncha Ó hÉallaithe, Chair of BÁNÚ 

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The Taoiseach defends the decision to scrap the triple lock amid criticism from Fianna Fáil backbenchers, who argue it represents a fundamental shift in Ireland’s traditional approach to neutrality.

The move comes as the Government prepares for a forthcoming EU presidency, where defence spending is expected to be a contentious issue.

Meanwhile, opposition parties are calling for a proposed meeting involving Palantir founder Peter Thiel in Wicklow to be blocked, following reports of a secretive retreat. The development raises questions about Ireland’s relationship with Silicon Valley and the broader politics of protest.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence

Mairéad Farrell TD, Sinn Féin

Niamh Ní Bhriain, coordinator of the War and Pacification Programme at the Transnational Institute

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Extreme temperatures across Europe have raised fresh questions about climate resilience, with two-thirds of the continent’s population experiencing heat above 35 degrees, conditions intensified by human-induced climate change. Ireland is also expected to record its highest temperature on record in the coming days, prompting renewed debate about preparedness and long-term adaptation.

On The Tonight Show, the panel examines what mitigation measures may now be needed as extreme heat becomes more frequent, and whether Ireland is vulnerable to future climate shocks.

The discussion also turns to the Government’s climate strategy, including concerns over continued expansion of data centres and whether economic and technological priorities risk overtaking emissions targets. AI regulation and child safety online are also explored, with questions over how to balance innovation with safeguarding and whether big tech’s influence is outpacing policy.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for AI    

Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats Spokesperson for Climate, Environment & Energy 

Oisín Coughlan, Public Policy Advisor 

Mick Moran, Chief Executive of the Irish Internet Hotline

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Tapped out by rising bills - publicans call time on rising costs and wage inflation as they outline budget asks while citing mass closures over the last decade. But as another report highlights the harms that alcohol brings, is it last chance saloon for the rural pub?  

Plus, carrying the costs - hauliers call for temporary supports to remain, along with further tax reductions, despite the potential for a US-Iran deal to drive down fuel prices.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Peter “Chap” Cleere TD, Fianna Fáil

Rose Conway-Walsh TD, Sinn Féin

Alison O’Connor, Columnist, The Sunday Times

Michael O'Donovan, President, Vintners' Federation of Ireland

Ger Hyland, Irish Road Hauliers Association

Ciaran Nugent - Nevin Economic Research Institute

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Short-term lettings register brought to Cabinet after delays — but will local authorities have the resources to enforce the new rules?

Minister claims thousands of homes will come “very quickly” as developers warn of a structural housing crisis and major barriers to supply

Plus, G7 focus returns to Ukraine as tensions rise after a Russian warship incident in the English Channel

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

John Cummins TD, Minister of State, Department of Housing  

Conor Sheahan TD, Labour Party Spokesperson on Housing, 

Ciara O'Loughlin, Political Correspondent, The Irish Mirror 

Kevin Timoney Chief Economist at Davy 

Ross Cullen, Paris Bureau Chief, FSN 

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Stephen Ogilvie’s family have said “unrest is not welcome” following recent violence in Belfast, as concerns grow over whether online rhetoric could fuel further disorder.

Meanwhile, independent broadcasters are reacting to a proposed 39% increase in levies, warning it could threaten the sector’s viability.

Plus, Ken Early joins us from Mexico City as we look ahead to the World Cup.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Senator Garret Ahearn, Fine Gael

Edel McGinley, Executive Director, Hope and Courage Collective 

Harry McGee, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times  

Sammy Wilson MP, DUP

Eamonn McCann, Activist & Journalist 

John Purcell, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland 

Ken Early, Journalist

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Belfast Braces: Police and Stormont leaders appeal for calm after a knife attack left a man seriously injured.

With tensions rising and protests underway, will demonstrations spill into disorder?

Plus, the panel discuss the Ireland vs Israel fixtures.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State  

Sinéad Gibney TD, Social Democrats  

Mary Regan, Political Editor, The Irish Independent  

Kurtis Reid, Reporter, Belfast Telegraph

Matthew O'Toole MLA, SDLP

Amanda Ferguson, Journalist

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The Government unveils a new plan for Special Needs Assistants as thousands of children continue to face delays in disability assessments.

Will a new EV scrappage scheme make electric cars more affordable?

And is Nigel Farage seeking political advantage from a tragic death amid growing unrest in Britain?

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Paul McAuliffe TD, Fianna Fáil 

David Cullinane, Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson  

Niamh Griffin, Health Correspondent, Irish Examiner 

Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor, Sunday Independent 

Mark Paul, London Correspondent, Irish Times  

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Concerns over knife crime and safety in Dublin following two separate attacks over the weekend. Is the city becoming less safe?

And pressure mounts on the Government to investigate claims that a major Irish employer is exporting products to Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin MEP, Labour

Trina O'Connor, Criminologist

John O'Brennan, Professor of European Politics, Maynooth University

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Transfers from the eliminated Fianna Fáil candidate Cillian Keane helped Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne edge ahead of Independent Ireland’s Noel Thomas in a tightly contested Galway West by-election. Simon Harris called the result a “victory for centrist politics,” but questions remain over why the right failed to benefit from transfers.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency warns Ireland is set to fall significantly short of its 2030 emissions targets, with critics accusing the Government of sidelining climate ambition in favour of energy security.

Plus, in RTÉ, new figures show €230,000 was spent on chauffeurs since 2021, raising fresh questions about spending culture and reform within the broadcaster.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

• James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael 
• Michael Collins TD, Independent Ireland 
• John Lee, Executive Editor, Irish Daily Mail 
• Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate Journalist 

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