The Tonight Show

X was a notable no-show as executives from major social media platforms faced tough questioning before the Oireachtas Media Committee. The Taoiseach branded X’s decision not to appear as “concerning” and “disrespectful” — but how far is the Government really willing to go in standing up to Big Tech?

John Lee is joined by Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming, Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly, and Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast, to debate political accountability, regulation and the power of global platforms.

The discussion then turns to growing momentum across Europe for an under-16s social media ban, as the European Commission warns Spain that new national rules on digital platforms may breach the EU’s Digital Services Act. Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, joins the panel.

Finally, the programme looks to the US, where deep cuts at the Jeff Bezos–owned Washington Post are affecting around a third of its workforce, including hundreds of journalists. Former Washington Post fact-checker and author Glenn Kessler reacts to the impact on journalism and media independence.

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Storm Chandra brings renewed rain and flood warnings for counties across the east and south east, leaving homeowners and businesses facing devastation and raising fresh anger over Ireland’s preparedness for extreme weather.

John Lee is joined by Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins, Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford to discuss the flooding and what it reveals about resilience and planning.

The panel also tackles growing controversy over delays in Garda vetting, which may prevent newly trained recruits from taking up duties after graduating. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has acknowledged problems with the process, but questions remain over accountability and reform.

Finally, pressure continues to mount on Bord Bia Chairman Larry Murrin after confirmation that his company, Dawn Farms, used Brazilian beef in its meat products — despite backing from the Taoiseach and the Minister for Agriculture.

Flooding, policing and political pressure — on The Tonight Show.

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The death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch in Finglas has reignited calls for tougher action on scramblers and e-scooters on public roads. After the teenager was fatally struck by a scrambler bike that ran a red light, the Taoiseach acknowledged in the Dáil that proposals to ban scramblers had previously been brought forward — but never enacted. Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan and Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne to discuss whether the Government is now being forced to act.

The focus then turns to the rental sector, as Cabinet signs off on major reforms just weeks before they are due to come into force. The changes include a new six-year minimum lease and a 2% annual rent cap, while allowing landlords to reset rents in certain circumstances. Maurice Deverell of the Irish Property Owners Association joins the debate.

And as Storm Chandra brings severe flooding across parts of Dublin, Wicklow and the south east, questions are raised about Ireland’s preparedness for extreme weather. Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather breaks down what happened — and what comes next.

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One year on from his inauguration, Donald Trump appears determined to follow through on promises to expand US power — with Greenland now firmly in his sights. Asked how far he is willing to go to acquire the territory, the US president responded: “You’ll find out.” What does this mean for Europe, and how should leaders respond?

Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne, Labour TD George Lawlor, and Martina Lawless, Director of the ESRI. They are also joined from Brussels by Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews. The panel reacts to sharp warnings from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has urged Europe to stand united and confront Donald Trump directly.

The programme also examines the sentencing in the fatal one-punch attack on Martin Lynn in Whitehall, and the Lynn family’s call for the six-year sentence imposed on Christopher O’Neill to be appealed.

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Are proposed changes to Ireland’s asylum and immigration laws fair – or too harsh? Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Fine Gael TD Joe Neville, Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín and Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Louise Burne to debate the Government’s reform plans and what they mean in practice.

The focus then shifts to international tensions as Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Greenland, insisting only the US can protect the territory. Danish and Greenlandic ministers have held talks with Vice-President JD Vance, but the meeting ended after less than an hour. Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, newly appointed European Parliament rapporteur for EU–Greenland relations, joins the panel to discuss what happens next.

And from Washington, Niall Stanage, Associate Editor of The Hill, brings the latest on Trump’s claims that the US may have stepped back from military action against Iran.

Immigration, geopolitics and global power plays – on The Tonight Show.

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With the Dáil back in session, the Government faces fresh criticism after the EU approved the controversial Mercosur trade deal — despite a last-minute vote against it by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Farmers’ groups say Ireland was “sold out”. Did the Government do enough to object?

Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney and Irish Independent Political Editor Mary Regan to debate the political fallout.

The focus then turns to the growing Grok deepfake scandal. The Taoiseach has stepped up his criticism of Elon Musk’s platform X, calling for a ruthless approach to protecting women and children. However, Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan says responsibility does not rest with the tech giant alone, pointing instead to Gardaí, regulators and the public.

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Homelessness in Ireland has climbed to a new record, sparking political backlash after Tánaiste Simon Harris claimed a “significant number” of people in emergency accommodation do not have a housing right in the State. What do the latest figures reveal — and where does responsibility lie?

Joining the debate are Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy and homeless campaigner Alice Leahy.

The discussion then turns to rising tolls and chronic congestion on the M50, which is now generating more than €500,000 every working day. Is the motorway becoming an unavoidable tax on workers with no alternative transport? Motoring editor Geraldine Herbert weighs in.

Finally, as Taoiseach Micheál Martin leaves the door open to backing the controversial Mercosur trade deal, we go to China where Gavan Reilly reports on the closing stages of the Taoiseach’s trade mission, focused on food exports, tourism and wind energy.

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Guest host John Lee and his panel Neale Richmond, Patricia Stephenson, and Scott Lucas examine Donald Trump’s aggressive start to the year — from seizing Venezuela’s president to threats against Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and now Greenland, with military options reportedly under discussion.

Later, Neale Richmond, Patricia Stephenson, and Alex Cooney discuss the European Commission’s investigation into Elon Musk’s AI tool Grok, which is reportedly producing sexualised deepfake images of women and children.

Global power plays and digital dangers — on The Tonight Show.

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2025 was certainly eventful. The Tonight Show looks back at the stories, moments, people and villains that defined the year.

Guest presenter Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Shane Coleman, Newstalk Breakfast Presenter; Liz Carolan, Tech and Democracy Journalist; and Larry Donnelly, Lawyer and Political Columnist, to reflect on the political highs and lows of 2025 — including who had the strongest year and who struggled the most.

A year in review — on The Tonight Show.

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