The Group Chat

Mary Lou McDonald is in studio to discuss Sinn Féin's immigration policy, whether or not they will enter into a coalition and her biggest regrets over the course of her leadership.Richard, Gavan and Zara also debate the fallout of Trump's Madison Square Garden rally and Biden's newest gaffe.And Zara's move to Cork; how difficult is it to change your voting area? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight on The Group Chat, Tánaiste Micheál Martin faces tough questions on the government's response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The team doesn't hold back on Ireland’s housing crisis either, asking why voters should place their trust in his party for another term.Then, we dive into U.S. politics: with the election just two weeks away, could Kamala Harris survive a Joe Rogan Podcast interview? And what’s the deal with Trump’s McDonald's stunt?Plus, an emotional rollercoaster as Zara shares a heartfelt update on her pup Darcy & Richard prepares for the Dublin Marathon.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara break-down the recent controversy within Sinn Féin and what it means for Mary Lou McDonald's leadership going forward.They speak with Dr. Amber Alayyan, a medical referent for MSF, for comment on the recent strikes on Gazan hospitals and the struggles doctors go through in Gaza.And Tied with Trump: Polls show Kamala Harris is still in a tight race for the White House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.