

The Group Chat
Virgin Media News
A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday as they discuss the latest and breaking news from Ireland and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 26, 2025 • 46min
Two Fingers & A Holy Show: Dáil Ructions
Richard and Gavan take a deep dive into the Dáil row that could cost Verona Murphy her position as Ceann Comhairle.War plans in another group chat, we explain the White House Signal security scandal.Plus, is Irish football back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 20, 2025 • 46min
What was Conor McGregor doing in the White House?
The group is back together in studio to discuss the fallout of Conor McGregor's White House invitation on St. Patrick's Day and what it means for future US-Ireland relations.Israel has broken its ceasefire with Hamas through a renewed series of bombings, while the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire is still up in the air.And Amazon has launched a dedicated Irish website; will this impact smaller businesses across the country? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 43min
Inside the White House
Gavan takes Zara and Richard inside Donald Trump's famous home in Washington as he prepares for his meeting with the Taoiseach.The group also discuss the latest moves towards a ceasefire in Ukraine as Kyiv agrees to back the American peace plan. They also speak to Guardian International Correspondent Michael Safi about the latest unrest in Syria, ISIS and fears of a civil war. Later Zara gives her verdict on Meghan Markle's new Netflix 'lifestyle series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 28min
🚨 Emergency Episode! White House Showdown: Micheál Martin v Donald Trump
In this special emergency episode, Gavan joins Richard and Zara from Washington for reaction to the Taoiseach's meeting with the U.S. President as Trump tells him that the American pharmaceutical industry has "gone to Ireland". We ask did the Taoiseach do enough to stand up to Trump who dominated the Oval Office meeting? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 2025 • 46min
The Week the World Changed
This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King break down the week that shook global politics. As Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy clash publicly, US-Europe relations hit a new low—so where does that leave Ireland?The team discusses:🇺🇦 Geopolitical rifts amid the Russia-Ukraine war🇮🇪 Micheál Martin’s unprecedented political week🌍 Ireland’s climate obligations🇵🇸 Tensions in the West Bank🍻 Should zero-alcohol beers be allowed at work? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 27, 2025 • 43min
Ireland's growing problem with violence against women
Gavan and Zara discuss the rise in violence against women in Ireland and speak with Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson on what can be done to solve it.US President Donald Trump has secured a minerals deal with Ukraine as efforts continue to end the war. What precedent does this set for other world leaders?And would you pass the driving test? A call has been made for drivers to resit the theory test every 10 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 2025 • 46min
“We're Fed Up” – Dublin Crime in Focus
This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King discuss: Safety in Dublin as a restaurant owner shares his crime ordeal. "Shed-sits" are suggested as an option to aid Ireland's ever-worsening housing crisis. Has America just thrown Europe under the bus on defence? Plus, after 11 gloomy days, the sun finally makes an appearance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 13, 2025 • 46min
The boom is back! Micheál Martin's gaffe on gaffs
Richard, Gavan and Zara analyse Fianna Fail's previous promises on housing projections and discuss new proposals to remove rent caps.Are all parties being held to the same account? Senator Martin Conway has resigned from Fine Gael after faling to disclose being arrested for public intoxication last month.And the League of Ireland will now be fully televised, but will this drive up engagement amongst Irish football fans? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 5, 2025 • 45min
"You will never be able to uproot us from our homeland" – Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland
In this episode of The Group Chat, we speak to the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland about Donald Trump's controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its population. Plus, the Government backs down on Dáil speaking time row—but for how long? And we break down all the biggest moments from the Grammys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 30, 2025 • 46min
Storm Éowyn: Ireland's Humanitarian Crisis
Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect on the aftermath of Storm Éowyn and discuss the consequences it may have for the newly-formed government.Only 3 of the 15 ministers in the new cabinet are women; the group looks at what this means for future female representation in politics. And DeepSeek has dominated the AI market; will this hurt Trump's plan for America to rule the AI industry? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


