

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

Jun 3, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 03 June 2025 - Bail Laws & IPAS Centres in Coolock: Ireland’s Policy Challenges
In this episode, we examine two major issues shaping Ireland’s justice and migration policies.First, the case of 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald, who died by self-inflicted gunshot wounds after opening fire at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow. Fitzgerald was out on bail, despite Garda objections, for charges related to possession of guns, ammunition, and explosive materials. The Taoiseach says a review of bail laws is now underway, though significant changes may be constitutionally challenging.Then, we look at the government’s decision to scrap plans for an international protection centre at the former Crown Paints Factory in Coolock. Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy said the change reflects a shift towards State-acquired properties and IPAS centres. The local group ‘Coolock Says No’ called it a “great victory.”We’ll discuss the implications of these developments and what they mean for justice and housing policy in Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 28, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 28 May - RTÉ Defends IT Write-Down And Promo Costs At Oireachtas Hearing
On The Tonight Show with Kieran CuddihyRTÉ executives say they weren’t made aware of a €3.6 million write-down over a failed IT project until February.Appearing before an Oireachtas committee, the Director General also hit back at what he called "inaccurate" reporting around a leaked news promo — saying extras were used and the final cost will be under €100,000. Meanwhile, the Dáil rejected a Sinn Féin motion that sought to block the Central Bank from approving the sale of Israeli ‘war bonds’. It was defeated 87–75, though two independents who support the government — Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole — voted in favour.Also, concerns are rising over access to U.S. college places after the Trump administration paused student visas and considers tougher social media screening.🏛️ Malcolm Byrne TD, Fianna Fáil🏛️ Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Sinn Féin📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, the Irish Independent👩🎓🏛️ Jenny Maguire, Trinity SU President Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 27 May - CHI Resignations, Missed Housing Targets & Bail Law Review
On The Tonight Show with Kieran CuddihyAnother wave of resignations from the Children’s Health Ireland board comes as pressure mounts over ongoing issues in children’s hospitals.Meanwhile, the Housing Committee was told government targets will be missed for the next two years. And following a state apology to Shane O’Farrell’s family, bail laws are now set to be reviewed.🏛️ John Cummins TD, Minister of State, Department of Housing🏛️ Mark Wall TD. Labour Party Spokesperson for Children📰 John Lee, Executive Editor, Irish Daily Mail📰 Shauna Bowers, Health Correspondent, Irish TimesÁine Gladney Knox, Mother & Campaigner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 20 May - Confronting Ireland’s Disability Assessment Backlog
This episode shines a spotlight on Ireland’s deepening disability crisis.With over 15,000 children still waiting for an assessment of needs, and the number expected to rise to 25,000, 14-year-old disability campaigner Cara Darmody stages a powerful 50-hour protest outside Leinster House, demanding action.Joining the discussion are Lorraine Dempsey, Family Carer and Former CEO of Inclusion Ireland, Keira Keogh TD, Fine Gael member of the Committee on Disability Matters, and Paul Lawless TD, Aontú, who debate the deepening crisis, broken promises, legislative delays, and whether the latest response is too little, too late. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 14, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 14 May - Israel in Eurovision, Dangerous Driving, and Water Supply Concerns
With air strikes ongoing and a blockade in Gaza now past ten weeks, we ask if Israel should be allowed to compete in this year’s Eurovision.We examine the Government’s approach to dangerous driving following a seven-year sentence for the man behind a fatal Monaghan crash. And with the dry spell set to continue, what impact will it have on Ireland’s water supply?Guests:🏛️ Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State, Fine Gael 🏛️ Louise O'Reilly TD, Sinn Fein📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent 🏛️ Alan Shatter, Former Justice Minister🎤 Brian Kennedy, Singer-Songwriter & Former Eurovision Contestant☀️ Alan O'Reilly, Carlow WeatherMéabh White, Road Safety Campaigner & RTC Survivor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 13 May - Struggling Pubs, Social Media Bans, and a 'Mile-High Bribe'
The Irish pub is under threat—can industry plans save your local? We visit one struggling pub in Co. Louth.Also—calls for a total social media ban for under-16s—is it realistic or just another headline grab?Donald Trump’s Gulf tour, a luxury jet, and claims of a “mile-high bribe”.Guests:🏛️ Ryan O'Meara TD, Fianna Fáil🏛️ Ken O'Flynn TD, Independent Ireland📰 Kevin Doyle, Head of News, Irish Independent📰 Nick Harper, U.S. News Correspondent🍽️ Adrian Cummins, CEO Restaurants Association📱 Alex Cooney, CEO, CyberSafeKids🎓 Richard Layte, TCD Professor of Sociology📰Nick Harper, U.S. News Correspondent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 7, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 07 May - Eurovision Politics, Housing Tsar Chaos & Camogie Skorts Rows
As the Eurovision Song Contest nears, RTÉ boss Kevin Bakhurst calls for a rethink on Israel’s participation, citing the war in Gaza. We’re joined by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne and Irish Independent political correspondent Gabija Gataveckaite, alongside former Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan.Also tonight – the government scrambles to find a new housing tsar after Brendan McDonagh steps away, and the Uisce Éireann funding row resurfaces. Ian Lawlor of Roundtower Capital weighs in.Plus – Cork and Waterford camogie teams make a stand on their right to wear shorts in Saturday’s Munster Final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 2025 • 45min
Tuesday 06 May 2025 - Limerick’s Mayor, Housing Gridlock & A New Pope
Host Gavan Reilly is joined by John Moran, Limerick’s first elected mayor, to reflect on his first year in office and his big housing plans.Then, political tensions rise over claims of phantom funding for Uisce Éireann — is Ireland’s housing supply being held back by infrastructure limits?Plus, live to the Vatican as cardinals prepare to elect the next Pope.Guests:🏛️ John Moran, Mayor of Limerick🏛️ Barry Ward TD, Fine Gael🏛️ Conor Sheehan TD, Labour Housing Spokesperson📰 Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Mirror🌍 Richard Chambers, News Correspondent, live from Vatican City#TonightVMTV #HousingCrisis #IrishPolitics #VaticanConclave #LimerickMayor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 30 April - Trump's First 100 Days: What Can We Expect Next?
In this episode of The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:The first chapter of Trump’s second term brought executive orders, falling approval ratings and economic turbulence. Yet the US President still holds firm control at home and abroad — and remains revered by his base. So what should Ireland and the world expect next?Guests:Katty Kay, BBC US Special Correspondent & Host of The Rest is Politics USMark Little, Journalist and Tech Entrepreneur Cormac Lucey, Economics Columnist, Sunday Times (Ireland)Hannah McCarthy, Middle East-based Journalist Cal Thomas, Syndicated ColumnistCaro Kinsella, Irish US-based Immigration Lawyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 29, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 29 April - New 'housing tsar', Kneecap facing backlash and falling tourism figures
In this episode of The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:🚨 Ireland's new housing 'tsar' - Government's latest proposal to tackle Ireland's housing crisis. 🚨 Kneecap under fire - UK politicians target the Northern Irish rap group over comments made about Tory MPs.🚨 Falling tourism numbers - CSO data shows a sharp drop in those visiting Ireland, however, industry representatives are disputing the figures. Guests:Martin Daly TD, Fianna FailMairéad Farrell, Sinn FéinSarah McGuinness, Political Correspondent, Irish Daily Mirror Mark Paul, London Correspondent, Irish TimesEoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO, Irish Tourism Industry Federation #TheTonightShow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


