The Tonight Show

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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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