The Group Chat

Virgin Media News
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Nov 20, 2025 • 46min

The Government's Paschal Problem

This week on The Group Chat:Paschal Donohoe's departure prompts a partial reshuffle, but how big of a blow is it for the Government?Ivan Yates defends giving training and commentary on the presidential election. Plus, following the play-off draw that sees the Republic of Ireland away to Czechia, is it too soon to dream? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 13, 2025 • 45min

Will The Housing Plan Get You A Home?

This week on The Group Chat:Is it fair to describe the Government's new housing plan as more of the same? The Catherine Connolly presidency has officially started, so what can we expect? And, just over one month on what's happening with the Gaza ceasefire? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 6, 2025 • 45min

We Need To Talk About How We Talk About Immigration

This week on The Group Chat, the tensions flare in the Dáil over the debate around asylum seekers and immigration.And, new battle lines are drawn as New York elects a socialist mayor.Plus, the race for the Áras and the fallout over media training. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 30, 2025 • 44min

Unpacking Ireland’s Political Earthquake

This week on The Group Chat, we unpack the fallout from Ireland’s presidential election. Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as our tenth Head of State next month after a resounding victory, but what does her win mean for Fianna Fáil and Michael Martin? We also explore whether the left’s newfound unity behind Connolly can last until the next general election. Tune in for insight, analysis, and debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 45min

Inside the Citywest Riots

On The Group Chat, we unpack two nights of unrest in Citywest, a day of high emotion as five members of Josef Puska’s family are jailed, and the story of 14 families from the same estate all facing eviction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 46min

Mario Kart Boost for Connolly

This week on The Group Chat, we cover a massive breakthrough in Gaza, with the world looking on as a landmark, Donald Trump-brokered peace deal was signed. Among those affected are people who fled here to escape the war.A fragile ceasefire is holding in Gaza, but with many potential pitfalls ahead, we explore the feelings of those who fled here and still have loved ones back home.Polling day moves closer in the Presidential Election, with Catherine Connolly the clear frontrunner. What does Heather Humphreys need to do to close the big gap in the final week of campaigning?And we’ll also be reflecting on MTV, which provided the pictures and the sounds for our youth, as we mourn the planned closure of a number of its channels at the end of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 45min

Jim Gavin: The Tenant, The Fallout, The Future

The world watches closely after a major breakthrough in Gaza — but will it hold? Back home, Micheál Martin faces unrest within Fianna Fáil over the Jim Gavin controversy, while government TDs return to their constituencies to sell Budget 2026. Plus, Rolling Stone releases its list of the 250 best songs of the last 25 years - do you agree with their picks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 25, 2025 • 44min

Trump Was "Right About Everything"… Unless He’s Not

This week on The Group Chat:Donald Trump once again dominated global headlines with a fiery address to the UN General Assembly in New York, taking aim at climate change, immigration, and even the UN itself – before sparking a medical storm by pushing an unproven link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism.Back home, Ireland’s presidential election campaign is officially underway. With Maria Steen falling just short in her bid for a place on the ballot, and only three candidates confirmed, the smallest field in decades, can the race ignite or is it already fizzling out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 18, 2025 • 44min

Sinn Féin Promises a “Gamechanger” in Áras Race

Sinn Féin is about to make a “gamechanger” move on the presidential election this weekend, keeping the race for the Áras buzzing. Will Gareth Sheridan make it onto the ballot through the council route? Could other independents join him? Conor McGregor has already pulled out, and Simon Harris says good riddance.In Donabate, a four-year search has ended in heartbreak, with gardai believing they’ve found the remains of Daniel Aruebose.On the international stage, a damning UN report, mounting EU pressure, and cultural and sporting isolation put Israel’s actions in Gaza under a microscope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 12, 2025 • 44min

Political Violence: The New Norm?

This week on The Group Chat, we look at the rise of political violence at home and abroad. In the US, the shooting dead of Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves through politics, while here, the Tánaiste has revealed threats made against him. We ask what this climate means for democracy and public life. Plus, with Ireland’s World Cup dreams in tatters once again, are fans destined to watch from the sidelines rather than the stands? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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