The Tonight Show

Metrolink moves a step closer after Transport Infrastructure Ireland acquires a major section of O’Connell Street, but questions remain over rising costs and whether Ireland’s biggest infrastructure project could become a financial burden.

Meanwhile, concerns grow over e-scooter safety after almost half of Temple Street’s ICU beds are occupied by children with head injuries linked to accidents, prompting calls for tighter regulation.

And the FAI votes on whether to proceed with the controversial Ireland vs Israel fixtures — but will the decision settle the debate?

Shane Coleman was joined by:
Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil
Aidan O’Farrelly TD, Soc Dems
Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor, Irish Examiner
Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor, Irish Independent
John Joe O'Connell, Vice President, GRA
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Sinn Féin’s proposal for a United Ireland preparations bill faces opposition from Government, reigniting debate over who should lead the conversation on a future referendum and the path towards unity.

Meanwhile, questions grow over the justice system after a murder accused was left without legal representation during Garda custody, while the family of Shane O’Farrell calls for urgent action on bail reform.

And in the UK, Nigel Farage triggers another by-election after resigning as an MP — only to seek re-election again amid questions over his political future.

Shane Coleman was joined by:
James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael
Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein
Emma DeSouza, Journalist
Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at DCU
Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager at Irish Penal Reform Trust
Anna Gross, Political correspondent, Financial Times
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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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.