South America's Mercosur trade bloc will meet in Uruguay today with speculation the group could use the event to announce a long-delayed trade deal with the European Union after last-minute negotiations to get it over the line.  Independent TD Mattie McGrath has called on the government to veto the deal and he explained why to Newstalk Breakfast.

“Ireland is in a favourable position. But a lot depends on how the next government budgets and how it manages corporation tax.” - that’s according to a new report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. We discuss the findings of this recent report with  Seamus Coffey, Chairperson of IFAC.

Fianna Fáil has announced the appointment of a Negotiations Steering Group to represent the party in discussions with other parties and independents.  Among the members of the group is James Lawless, Minister of State for Transport and TD for Kildare North. 

The woman who was seriously injured after being assaulted at a soup run in Cork city has died in hospital. Vanessa O'Callaghan was found unresponsive by Gardaí on Patrick's Street at about 8pm on Sunday evening. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was Shane O'Callaghan Fine Gael Councillor for Cork City.

Dublin City Councillors agreed to a motion calling for the introduction of ultra-low emissions zones, based on World Health Organisation Guidelines for air quality. The motion was tabled by Social Democrats Councillor Cat O’Driscoll who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast.

A High Court hearing on legal costs for the civil case brought against Conor McGregor by Nikita Hand will take place today. Frank Greaney, Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent explains what will take place today.

The National Transport Authority has forecast that the development of the proposed new rail link between Navan and Dublin is likely to cost up to €3 billion. To discuss this further we spoke to Brian Caulfield, Associate Professor at the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin. 

Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer of Bohemian’s Football Club joined Shane this morning to chat about their annual Christmas appeal in aid of children in Direct Provision. 

Reports have suggested that Fine Gael will insist on “parity of esteem” with Fianna Fáil as a basic condition in any coalition agreement, despite a 10-seat gap between the two parties.   The new parliamentary party is set to meet for the first time later today. Speaking to Shane this morning was Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach and Government Chief Whip. 

The Mobility and Public Realm Committee will meet on Wednesday for the first time to steer transport policy for Dublin City and the Irish Parking Association was not selected to join the committee.  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was IPA Chairperson Keith Gavin who believes the committee is excluding motorists. Also joining us was Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor for the North-Inner City and Chair of the Mobility and Public Realm Committee.