The Tonight Show

A new political chapter begins as Social Democrats and Fine Gael welcome new TDs into the 34th Dáil, following weekend by-elections that signal shifting fortunes across the parties.

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin face scrutiny over disappointing results. Sinn Fein's results have raised questions about organisation, political direction, and the prospects for future left unity.

Plus, debate continues over the Occupied Territories Bill, with opposition claims it has been “hollowed out” in Cabinet, as protests outside Leinster House call for the Ireland vs Israel football match to be cancelled.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

• Catherine Ardagh TD, Fianna Fail 
• Claire Kerrane TD, Sinn Fein  
• Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish Examiner 
• Harry McEvansoneya, Irish Election Projections
• Senator Frances Black

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RTÉ management is accused of "creative accounting", with their top 10 list of high earners described as a "a waste of space" at the Oireachtas Media Committee. 

Plus, the government is accused of "sleeveen politics" but insists the sharp spike in rents linked to tenancy rule changes will lead to increased rental supply. 

And, "appalled and shocked" - the Minister for Foreign Affairs demands the "immediate release" of Irish flotilla activists after a video emerges of Israel's national security minister mocking detainees.

Guest presenter Fionnán Sheahan was joined by:

Micheál Carrigy TD, Fine Gael & Chair of Housing Committee

Eoin Ó Broin TD, Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson

Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, Sunday Times Ireland

Shane Ross, author and former Minister

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A vigil was held for Congolese man Yves Sakila who died after an alleged shop-lifting incident on Henry Street last Friday, amid concerns that excessive force may have been used against him.

And the Media Minister says there can be no further ‘drip, drip, drip’ of disclosures about financial affairs at RTÉ as he meets with the Director General. 

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Niall Collins TD, Minister of State, Department of Justice

Gary Ganon TD, Social Democrats Justice Spokesperson 

Eimer McAuley, News Correspondent, The Journal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin distances Fianna Fáil from anti-immigration comments made by former leader Bertie Ahern during a canvas in Dublin Central — but is migration really becoming a doorstep issue?

Plus, concerns over road safety enforcement as breathalyser testing falls, conviction rates remain among the lowest in Europe, and road fatalities continue to rise.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Michael Murphy TD, Fine Gael - Chair of Transport Committee

Roderic O'Gorman TD, Green Party 

Mary Regan, Political Editor Irish Independent 

Derek Mooney, Former Fianna Fáil advisor

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Ambulance Service rejects claims its strike action has put patients at risk, saying pay has not kept pace with increased responsibilities. We look at whether talks should resume or if Government intervention is needed.

Elsewhere, hospital delays continue in the Mid-West, while questions grow over tighter budget controls and possible spending cuts in 2026.

In the UK, Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure amid ministerial resignations and calls for his resignation.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Martin Daly TD, Fianna Fáil

George Lawlor TD, Labour

George Horgan-Jones, Political Correspondent, Irish Times

Niamh Griffin, Health Correspondent, Irish Examiner

Mark Paul, London Correspondent, Irish Times

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An all-island poll shows growing support for Irish unity, while concerns over migration and the EU are also shaping voter attitudes. We ask whether public opinion is increasingly diverging from political discourse.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s electricity prices remain almost 40% above the EU average, as the panel examines the drivers behind the cost-of-living pressures facing households.

And in sport, an open letter from figures across football calls for Ireland to boycott upcoming Israel fixtures. Will the FAI come under pressure to change its stance?

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Keira Keogh TD, Fine Gael 

Matt Carthy TD, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice

Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish Examiner 

Ben Collins, Author, The Unity Dividend 

Daragh Cassidy, Bonkers.ie 

Roddy Collins, Former football manager and player 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure, with the ceasefire fragile and oil supplies at risk, raising fears of further energy price shocks.

As costs rise, questions grow over whether Ireland should reconsider nuclear energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

And while recent supports have eased tensions for now, could rising fuel costs trigger renewed protests later in the year?

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Peter "Chap" Cleere TD, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats Spokesperson for Climate & Energy

Pat O’Toole, Political correspondent, Irish Farmer’s Journal 

Megan O’Brien, Political Reporter, Business Post  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government announces fuel support payments for farmers, hauliers and construction contractors by the end of June — but questions remain over support for households facing rising energy bills.

With Sinn Féin calling for an emergency budget and almost 317,000 homes in arrears, pressure is mounting on the Government to act sooner on cost-of-living measures.

Meanwhile, oil prices continue to rise amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and short-term letting reforms have been delayed after reported disagreement at Cabinet level.

Guest presenter Fionnan Sheahan was joined by:

Micheál Carrigy TD, Fianna Fáil

Eoin O'Broin TD, Sinn Féin 

Christina Finn, political correspondent, The Journal

John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Taoiseach urges public representatives to avoid providing character references in cases involving abuse or violence, the Jim Glennon case raises wider questions about influence and the justice system.

Meanwhile, local radio stations are reacting to a planned 39% increase in broadcasting levies, with warnings the rise could be unsustainable and calls for Coimisiún na Meán to urgently review the decision.

Guest presenter Fionnan Sheahan was joined by:

Malcolm Byrne TD, Fianna Fáil 

Sinead Gibney TD, Social Democrats 

John Kierans, Columnist and Freelance Journalist 

John Purcell, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland 

Anna Gross, Political Correspondent, Financial Times 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oil markets are on edge as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz intensify, raising fears of a further supply shock that could ripple through the global economy.

With a fragile ceasefire in place and Iran signalling its leverage over key shipping routes, how exposed are markets - and how might Washington respond?

At home, Leo Varadkar has apologised after remarks about rural Ireland triggered a political backlash.

Guest presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Anthony Scaramucci, Financier and former White House Communications Director

Michael Murphy TD, Fine Gael

Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Independent Ireland

Daniel Murray, Policy Editor, Business Post

Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate Journalist

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.