The Group Chat

Is Donald Trump now the Daddy of NATO? And have New York Democrats found the formula to beat a candidate picked by a Trump administration? Plus, we share some surprising and memorable moments with retiring RTÉ legend Joe Duffy as he signs off from Liveline. All that and more in the final episode of season 7 of The Group Chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Group Chat, Professor Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics joins us to explain how the Iran-Israel conflict escalated so fast — and what could happen next. We also explore what government insiders are really saying about the housing crisis, and ask if €250 million is just too much for one Euromillions winner in Cork.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Group Chat, the government faces growing scrutiny over its plans to expand Rent Pressure Zones nationwide ahead of the Dáil's summer break. We also discuss mounting questions for An Garda Síochána following their handling of several high-profile cases—from the shooting in Carlow to developments in the Tina Satchwell and Michael Gaine investigations. Plus, what’s next for Gaza after the interception of the Madleen aid flotilla? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, we are joined in studio by actor Liam Cunningham to discuss the Gaza flotilla.We take an in-depth look back at the trial of Richard Satchwell with Virgin Media News courts correspondent Deborah Nayor. Plus, we examine the online fallout from the shooting incident in Carlow last weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Group Chat, Stephen Breen from The Irish Sun joins the panel to discuss the first extradition of a member of the Kinahan crime gang. We examine what exactly is Ireland’s role in fundraising for Israel’s war campaign in Gaza, and whether RTÉ should be spending money on outside agencies for its own internal ads. All that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, we discuss whether we are now at a tipping point in Gaza?Also on the show, we look at the latest developments in the Michael Gaine investigation.Plus, we go behind the gates in the Secret Life of Leinster House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vladimir Putin skips peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy — we hear from Ukrainians in Ireland who fear a sustained peace may never come. One year into the job, is Simon Harris facing internal pressure in Fine Gael? And a new report on the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed scandal reveals no value-for-money checks and no accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, Richard is reporting live from Vatican City, where all eyes are fixed on the iconic chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the world awaits the white smoke.Zara checks in from Sweden, where 'flat-pack homes' are transforming housing – though Gavan remains unconvinced the model could take root in Ireland.Also on the show, Killian Woods from the Sunday Business Post joins to unpack Ireland’s staggering $967 billion ‘tax mirage’ – what it means and why has it increased so quickly.Plus, a broadcasting era ends as Joe Duffy hangs up the mic at Liveline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast rap trio KNEECAP are being investigated by UK counter-terror police over comments made during past performances. But is the media missing the mark? The panel unpacks whether the controversy is a backlash against protest music, a distraction from the deepening crisis in Gaza, or both. The discussion focuses on public reaction, political response, and how music has long sparked uncomfortable conversations.Also in this episode:- The Government faces backlash over the so-called “Housing Czar” salary plan- 39 people, including children, are deported to Georgia from Dublin- A public appeal from the family of Michael Gaine, as Gardaí upgrade the investigation to homicideSubscribe now for the latest political analysis, cultural commentary and what’s making headlines across Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Group Chat this week, Richard is live from Vatican City as thousands gather in St Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis - but did he have a chance encounter with the next pope? Or is Dubliner Cardinal Kevin Farrell going to bring it home for Drimnagh?Also on this episode, Gavan And Zara discuss the changes to how teachers are appointed and their potential consequences.Plus, why are gigs north of the border so much cheaper?📺 You can watch this episode of The Group Chat on Virgin Media Play or on the Virgin Media News YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.