

The Tonight Show
Virgin Media Originals
A sharp look at the major stories shaping Ireland and the world, led by Kieran Cuddihy and a panel of guests.Expect thoughtful analysis and robust discussion on the country’s only independent TV current affairs programme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 19, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 19 November - Asylum Policy Pressure & The Ivan Yates Grilling
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan says Ireland must be “nimble” in responding to major shifts in British asylum policy after tough new reforms were announced by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. To debate the implications, Fianna Fáil Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn, and immigration lawyer Cathal Malone join the programme.Later, Ivan Yates appears alone before the Oireachtas Media Committee following controversy over his media training for Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin. With Coimisiún na Meán and Newstalk now reviewing the matter, what does this mean for media transparency and future podcast regulation?Featuring reaction from Labour TD Alan Kelly, and analysis from John Masterson of Purcell Masterson PR.Policy tensions, media scrutiny, and questions of transparency — all on The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 12, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 12 November - Can This National Housing Plan Deliver?
“Hang in there.” That’s the message from Housing Minister James Browne, who says the upcoming National Housing Plan will mark “a real shift” in solving Ireland’s housing crisis. But can the government really deliver the radical change needed to get homes built and prices down?Debating the challenge: Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Richard Boyd Barrett, and Eimer McAuley, News Correspondent with The Journal.Later, as Fianna Fáil avoids any discussion of the botched Jim Gavin presidential campaign at tonight’s parliamentary party meeting, attention turns to what’s next for the government — and the political stakes of the new plan. John Lee, Executive Editor at the Irish Daily Mail, brings the latest analysis.Promises, pressure, and a plan to fix housing — all on The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 11 November 2025 - Catherine Connolly: Unpacking Her Vision For Ireland
Catherine Connolly has been sworn in as Ireland’s tenth President — pledging to be “a unifying president, a steady hand, but also a catalyst for change.” In her inauguration speech, she outlined a vision for a new republic built on equality, inclusion, and neutrality.With the left now holding the highest office in the land, can Ireland’s progressive parties find common ground, and speak with one voice?Joining the debate: Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell, Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan, and Naomi O’Leary, The Irish Times Europe Correspondent.A new era, a new president — all on The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 5, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 05 November - Ireland’s Housing Crisis: 15 More Years?
Housing Minister James Browne has played down claims that it could take 15 years to end Ireland’s housing crisis — even though the estimate comes from the Department of Finance. A new mapping exercise suggests the shortage could persist into the 2040s, until building finally catches up with demand.Joining Kieran Cuddihy to debate the government’s response and what it means for homebuyers:-Fine Gael TD Naoise Ó Muirí-Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney-Executive Editor, Irish Independent Kevin Doyle-Solicitor & Planning Law Expert Fred LogueLater — Donald Trump’s “worst nightmare” Zohran Mamdani makes history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest in a century. With Democrats celebrating big wins in Virginia and New Jersey, is this the first major test for the Republican Party and President Trump since his return to the White House?Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute UCD, Scott Lucas for analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 4, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 04 November 2025 - Ireland’s Immigration Crackdown: Has the Coalition Shifted Right?
Seven children were among 52 people deported to Georgia last night on a chartered flight from Dublin Airport — the sixth deportation operation so far this year as the government tightens its stance on failed asylum applications.With the Tánaiste saying migration numbers are now too high, is the coalition shifting to the right on immigration? And what does this signal about attitudes across Ireland?Joining Kieran Cuddihy to debate this on The Tonight Show:Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy DooleySinn Féin TD & Spokesperson on Justice and Migration Matt CarthyMick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish ExaminerLater — the political fallout from Ivan Yates’s media training for Fianna Fáil sparks tensions within the coalition, and we’ll ask: is a left-wing outsider about to become mayor of America’s biggest city? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 29, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 29 October: Fastway Collapse, Climate Concerns & Spoilt Ballots
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: The collapse of Fastway Couriers delivers a “body blow” to an already struggling industry, with hundreds of jobs lost. Is the business a casualty of green taxes and government policy? On the eve of COP30, are public attitudes toward climate change shifting as policies retreat? And in the wake of the presidential election, do the high numbers of spoilt ballots signal a growing anti-democratic force in Irish politics?🏛️ John Clendennen TD, Fine Gael👨🏫 Kevin Cunningham, Lecturer in Politics at TU Dublin and Founder at Ireland Thinks🏛️ Cllr Linda de Courcy, Independent Ireland📰 John Gibbons, Journalist & Author🚚 Ger Hyland, Irish Road Haulage Association President Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 29, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 28 October: After the Fall: What’s Next for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael?
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: With the presidential election over, the fallout has begun. Government parties are counting the cost of defeat, with Fianna Fáil facing renewed internal unrest and whispers of a no-confidence motion against Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly has accused his party of “shafting” him, deepening the coalition’s woes.Plus, Stripe co-founder John Collison says Ireland is “stuck” - caught in a web of agencies and red tape that’s stalling progress on housing and infrastructure. The panel debates: is he right, and have our leaders lost sight of the basics of running a country?🏛️ John Connolly TD, Fianna Fail🏛️ Senator Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats📰 Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 22, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 22 October 2025 - Night Two of Citywest Unrest & The Deepfake Dilemma
Tensions remain high in Citywest, where protests continue outside a centre for asylum seekers. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has promised a “robust response” to any violence as concerns grow over public safety and community division. Joining the discussion are Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, Sinn Féin TD and Justice Spokesperson Matt Carthy, and Eimer McAuley, News Correspondent with The Journal.Later, outrage after a deepfake video of presidential candidate Catherine Connolly, falsely claiming she had quit the race, spreads online. Could AI manipulation truly sway voters? Adrian Weckler, Irish Independent Technology Editor, and Dr. Susan Leavy, Assistant Professor at UCD’s School of Information and Communication Studies, explore how deepfakes threaten democracy.Unrest on the ground, deception online — all on The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 21 October 2025: Citywest Unrest & A Disillusioned Electorate
Violence has erupted outside a centre for asylum seekers in Citywest, Dublin, after an alleged sexual assault in the area. A Garda van has been set alight, and fireworks and bottles thrown at officers. Journalist Ronan McGreevy reports live from the scene, as our panel — Fianna Fáil Senator Dee Ryan, Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne, entrepreneur Declan Ganley, and Irish Examiner columnist Fergus Finlay — debate what’s driving the unrest.Later, with just three days to go until the presidential election, nearly half the electorate say neither candidate represents them. Could a growing campaign to spoil votes send a message — or backfire?Tensions on the streets, frustration at the polls — all on The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 2025 • 46min
Monday 20 October: Humphreys' Big Interview Breakdown & Fine Gael's Connolly Campaign Video
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: With just days to go before voters head to the polls, our panel analyses The Big Interview with Colette Fitzpatrick, dissecting Heather Humphreys’ performance and presidential vision. Plus, controversy over a Fine Gael attack ad targeting Catherine Connolly - a legitimate challenge or a sign of campaign panic?🏛️ Barry Ward TD, Fine Gael🏛️ Ciarán Ahern TD, Labour📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent📰 Jenny Maguire, Activist and Columnist📰 Sarah Carey, Columnist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


