The Tonight Show

Metrolink returns to the Dáil agenda as the project enters the tender phase, with concerns its price tag could rise beyond €17.5 billion.

Plus, Micheál Martin accuses Sinn Féin of a “strategic error” over Irish unity, while Ursula von der Leyen proposes a stronger EU security response to threats including cyberattacks, sabotage and drone incursions. Could Ireland’s military non-alignment pose a challenge?

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:
Edward Timmins TD, Fine Gael
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Spokesperson
Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent, Euronews
Cónal Thomas, Political Correspondent, Irish independent

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

The Ploughing Championships get underway as soaring fuel and energy prices put pressure on farmers. With diesel now above €2 a litre, will proposed tax cuts and subsidies in the Budget prevent a repeat of this spring’s fuel protests?

Plus, despite a series of wrong-way driving incidents on Irish motorways, just six Gardaí are expected to have received pursuit training by the end of the year due to a shortage of trained instructors.

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:
Peter "Chap" Cleere TD, Fianna Fáil
Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Independent Ireland
Muireann Lynch, Energy Economist and Senior Research Officer, ESRI
Trina O'Connor, Criminologist
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The fallout from the GAA integration row, tougher proposed citizenship rules and the political debate around Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland are among the issues discussed.

Shane Coleman was joined by:

Aisling Maher, Co-Chair of the National Executive Committee for the Gaelic Players Association
Cora Staunton, former Mayo Footballer and Broadcaster
Shane Moynihan TD, Fianna Fail
Gary Gannon TD, Social Democrats
Peadar Toibín TD, Aontú
Ciara O'Loughlin, Political Correspondent, The Irish Mirror
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coalition divisions over a potential stamp duty cut for first-time buyers, tax reform and whether a second tier of Child Benefit could help tackle child poverty are among the issues discussed.

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

John Clendennen TD, Fine Gael
Rose Conway Walsh TD, Sinn Fein
Mary Regan, Political Editor, The Irish Independent
Dr. Emma Howard, Senior Economics Lecturer at TU Dublin
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European Defence Ministers meet in Ireland as questions grow over the country’s limited defence capabilities and reliance on its nearest neighbour for security. With closer NATO ties also under discussion, how much pressure is Irish neutrality under?

Plus, as cost-of-living pressures mount, how long can Government continue deferring carbon taxes and reversing excise cuts to shield households from rising prices?

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:
Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State
Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein
Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief, Bloomberg
Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent
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