

The Tonight Show
Virgin Media Originals
A sharp look at the major stories shaping Ireland and the world.Expect thoughtful analysis and robust discussion on the country’s only independent TV current affairs programme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 19, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 19 March - Amazon.ie Launches & Central Bank Warns on Housing
Amazon Ireland arrives offering consumers faster delivers and no import duties. But what will the move mean for Irish retailers and for main streets across the country? Plus, the Central Bank predicts that the Government will miss its housing targets for the next three years.And do the newly unsealed files reveal anything more about the assassination of JFK?Join Kieran Cuddihy as he discusses the issues with:Seamus McGrath TD, Fianna FáilLouise O'Reilly TD, Sinn FeinEmmet Ryan, Business and Technology JournalistSarah Kenny, Kenny’s BookshopPaul O'Connor, Paul O'Connor Shoes, Cork Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 18 March - McGregor at the White House & Covid Review
Conor McGregor's visit to the White House for St Patrick’s Day unpacked.Five years on, will the state’s Covid lockdown evaluation reveal anything new? Plus, after nine months stranded in space, two astronauts are finally set to return to Earth tonight.Join Kieran Cuddihy as he discusses the issues with:Cormac Devlin TD, Fianna FáilMattie McGrath TD, IndependentRichard Hogan, Psychotherapist and ColumnistSaoirse Hanley, Journalist, Irish IndependentLeo Enright, Space Commentator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 12 March - Taoiseach vs Trump: Did Micheál Martin Hold His Own?
During his visit to the White House for the annual St. Patrick’s Day event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin hoped to highlight key issues for Ireland. But with Donald Trump in the spotlight, the conversation turned to pharma companies in Ireland and EU trade tensions.Did the Taoiseach manage to get Ireland’s concerns across? Our panel — featuring Harry Browne, Ian O'Doherty, Ben Scallan, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh and BBC North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher — share their insights. Plus, we reveal the results of our audience poll. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 11, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 11 March - Bail Re-Offenders In Focus & Ireland’s Prison Overcrowding
Calls to overhaul Ireland’s bail system grow louder as repeat offenders are linked to over 40,000 crimes. Is stricter policy or improved rehabilitation the answer? Plus, with Irish prisons operating at 113% capacity, is building more cells the solution? Our panel of experts weighs in. And we are Live from Washington ahead of the Taoiseach’s crucial White House visit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 5 March - Ireland’s Own DOGE?
Does Ireland need a DOGE? Independent Ireland propose a new Department of Efficiency, similar to the controversial U.S. model led by Elon Musk. Plus, a vote to grant speaking time to government-backing Independent TDs is delayed until after St Patrick's day. But what happens then? Join Kieran Cuddihy as he discusses the issues with:Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of StateMichael Collins TD, Independent IrelandCaoimhe de Barra, CEO, TrócaireFionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish IndependentTune in for sharp insights, lively debates, and the stories behind the headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 4, 2025 • 45min
Tuesday 4 March - Trump's Trade War & Ukraine Aid Freeze
In this episode, we discuss Trump’s pause on Ukraine aid and his trade war with Canada and Mexico. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe joins to discuss EU defence spending and Ireland’s response to tariffs, plus expert panel reaction from Washington.Join Kieran Cuddihy as he discusses the issues with:Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for FinanceDuncan Smith TD, Labour PartyAidan Regan, Professor of Political Economy, UCDJackie King, CEO, Ibec GlobalJohn Lee, Executive Editor Irish Daily Mail & Mail on SundayTune in for sharp insights, lively debates, and the stories behind the headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 26 February - Ireland's Special Needs Crisis: School Places, Services, & Political Deadlock
In this episode, we examine the urgent shortage of services for children with special needs. Plus, the political deadlock over speaking rights in the Dáil. Join Gavan Reilly as he discusses the issue with:Micheál Carrigy TD, Fine GaelClaire Kerrane TD, Sinn FeinRebecca Meehan, parent and campaignerAlan Kelly, Principal of Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Leitrim Niamh Griffin, Health Correspondent with the Irish Examiner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 25, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 25 February - Ireland’s Neutrality Under Threat? The Defence Debate
With Europe ramping up military spending and America shifting its stance, where does that leave Ireland? On The Tonight Show, we debate whether Ireland should strengthen its defence forces or stick to its long-standing neutrality.Joining the discussion:Fianna Fáil MEP Billy KelleherIndependent TD Catherine ConnollyIndependent Senator Tom ClonanSecurity Correspondent Cormac O’Keefe (Irish Examiner)Prof. Donnacha Ó Beacháin (DCU) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 19 February - Beds in Sheds – Housing Solution or Quick Fix?
Beds in sheds – could exempting garden cabins from planning laws be a potential gamechanger? Or is it simply a kneejerk reaction to an entrenched housing crisis? And as Ireland prepares to attend a G20 summit for the first time, we discuss whether rapidly moving events in Ukraine might impact Irish neutrality. Gavan Reilly is joined in studio by:John Cummins TD, Minister of State for Local Government and PlanningConor Sheehan TD, Labour's Housing SpokespersonStephen Rae, Co-Founder, AML IntelligenceGabija Gataveckaite, Political Correspondent, Irish IndependentTune in for sharp insights, lively debates, and the stories behind the headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 18, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 18 February - Knife Crime, Garda Recruitment & Immigration
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan joins Gavan Reilly in studio to discuss his response to recent knife crimes, his plans to improve garda recruitment numbers and increase prison spaces, and his new vision for tackling immigration. Also on the on the show: Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent, The Irish TimesNiall Hodgins, Vice President, GRACathryn Costello, Professor of Refugee and Migration Law, UCDTune in for sharp insights, lively debates, and the stories behind the headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


