The Group Chat

Richard and Gavan are joined by Zara from the US to discuss Simon Harris' meeting with Joe Biden and how Storm Milton is interrupting his plans.The pair also meet with journalist Hannah McCarthy, this time in studio, to discuss how the crisis in Lebanon has developed and if there is any possibility of peace.And who is Cobalt? Irish politicians are scrambling to prove they are not a secret Russian agent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara are joined in studio by Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure, for comment on Budget 2025 and the blow-back from the bike shed.The group discusses the consequences of the recent missile attacks by Iran against Israel and what it means for the 379 Irish UNIFIL staff currently in Lebanon.And did Walz flub the debate? The group analyses the vice-presidential debate and how it may affect the election outcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah McCarthy, a journalist based in Lebanon, offers gripping insights into the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. She details the effects of Israeli airstrikes on civilian life in Southern Lebanon, painting a stark picture of the urgent humanitarian challenges faced by communities. The dialogue also touches on the intricate military dynamics between Hezbollah and Israel, exploring the psychological toll of the conflict. Meanwhile, Gavan shares intriguing updates from the UN General Assembly, linking political commentary to the housing crisis.

Richard has returned to Gavan and Zara from Pennsylvania to discuss the 'Kamala Wave' in America and the implications of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump.The group discusses the political plans of politicians at the ploughing.And Pager Panic; what do the pager bombings against Hezbollah mean for tensions in the Middle East? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavan and Zara talk with Shireen Khero, an ISIS survivor, who discusses how she was taken from her home and the 10 year anniversary of the genocide of the Yazidi people in Syria.Team Taylor is Team Kamala; the international popstar has endorsed the presidential nominee after the first debate.And the Apple Tax Windfall; what will the tax ruling by the EU mean for the upcoming elections? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just to let you know, we're back with our sixth (sixth!!) season this Wednesday! As always, we want to keep in touch with you - email us at thegroupchat@virginmedia.ie or follow us on social media (@newschambers, @zaraking.news and @gavreilly). We're back on TV this Wednesday night at 11pm on Virgin Media One, and in your podcast feeds first thing Thursday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It turns out there's no such thing as the summertime 'silly season' in 2024… Richard, Zara and Gavan reassemble for an unplanned summer episode to talk about Joe Biden's dropout from the U.S. presidential race, the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and the impact the race might have on all of us - including here in Ireland.The good piece Richard mentions about the mood in the Biden camp, in isolation with the walls closing in, is here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/19/us/politics/biden-drop-out-2024-election.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Sarah Benson of Women's Aid on violence against women in Ireland following the assault of Natasha O'Brien by a member of the Defence Forces.Aer Lingus and the IALPA have agreed to enter into talks to resolve their dispute, but industrial action at the airline continues.And the Taylor Swift Eras Tour rolls into Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Norah Patten about her planned trip to space with Virgin Galactic in 2026 and what it means for the future of Irish space travel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the impact of Aer Lingus pilot's industrial action on the company and holidaymakers.Eamon Ryan stepping down as Green Party leader has created a tight race between Roderic O'Gorman and Pippa Hackett.And "Bí Cineálta": Norma Foley's new scheme to tackle bullying in schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.