Ireland begins its EU presidency amid growing pressure over defence, neutrality and online regulation. We examine whether Ireland can remain an impartial broker, ask if tech regulation is compromised by its ties to Big Tech, and discuss why illegal scramblers remain a danger despite Grace's Law.

Shane Coleman was joined by:

Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State

Richard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before Profit - Solidarity

Aisling Maloney, Political Reporter, Irish Independent

Johnny Ryan, Director of Enforce, ICCL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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