

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

Oct 15, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 15 October: Delays at CHI and the National Children’s Hospital Under Scrutiny
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: From waiting lists for scoliosis and spina bifida services at CHI to renewed delays in completing the National Children’s Hospital, the government’s record on children’s health comes under the spotlight.Plus, will the forcing through of the vote of confidence in Tánaiste Simon Harris defuse the risk of a debate on disabilities during the final week of the presidential campaign? 🏛️ Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Fine Gael🏛️ David Cullinane, Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson📰 Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor, Medical Independent 📰 Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish Examiner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 14 October: Profit on Power: Why Are Ireland’s Energy Bills So High?
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: Are Irish households being ripped off? With electricity bills three times higher than wholesale costs, we ask if price-gouging, over reliance on data centres, or a lack of regulation are to blame for Ireland’s energy crisis.Plus, swimmer Shane Ryan explains why he’s joining the so-called “drug and steroid Olympics” - the controversial Enhanced Games.🏛️ Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil 🏛️ Conor Sheahan TD, Labour 📰 Liz Carolan, Tech and Democracy Journalist📰 Emmet Ryan, Journalist📰 Darragh Cassidy, Bonkers.ie🏊 Shane Ryan, Former Olympic Swimmer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 13, 2025 • 47min
Monday 13 October - Israel/Hamas War: The Art of the Peace Deal
As all remaining Israeli hostages are freed and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released, the U.S. President hails a lasting peace in Gaza — but can it truly hold, and at what cost? Conflict mediator Oliver McTernan, former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews, and Irish Independent Executive Editor Kevin Doyle share their insights.Earlier, The Tonight Show also examines Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly’s performance on The Big Interview with Colette Fitzpatrick, with analysis from Kevin Cunningham, Lecturer in Politics at TU, and Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News, Irish Independent.Global diplomacy, political ambition, and the fight for lasting peace — all on this episode of The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 8, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 08 October 2025 - Budget Fallout & Fianna Fáil in Turmoil
esterday’s Budget unveiled new measures to tackle the housing crisis — including a VAT cut on apartment sales from 13.5% to 9%. Is it a smart solution to boost supply, or just another break for developers? Fine Gael Minister of State John Cummins, Sinn Féin TD and Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin, and Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Louise Burne debate the move.Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil faces internal unrest as the party meets to examine the fallout from Jim Gavin’s withdrawal from the presidential race. How did his ill-fated bid get through “very comprehensive due diligence”? Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Murchú joins the discussion on what went wrong — and what happens next.Housing, politics, and party fallout — all on The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 07 October 2025 - Budget 2026: The Squeezed Middle & The VAT Cut Debate
Budget 2026 was billed as an investment in the future — but in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, are households actually worse off? Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers and Sinn Féin’s Public Expenditure Spokesperson Mairéad Farrell go head-to-head in studio.We’ll also examine the government’s decision to cut VAT for the hospitality sector. Will it protect jobs — or just pad profits for the so-called “burger barons”?Joining the discussion: Fine Gael TD and President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland John Clendennen, Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney, and John Lee, Executive Editor at the Irish Daily Mail & Mail on Sunday.Politics, pressure, and the price of living — all on The Tonight Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 2025 • 46min
Monday 6th October - Jim Gavin, Remaining Presidential Candidates & Budget 2026
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:Fianna Fáil in crisis as Jim Gavin spectacularly exits the presidential race. Are Michael Martin’s days numbered after this ‘serious miscalculation’?Plus, what does this mean for the remaining two? Will Fianna Fáil back Heather Humphreys, and will the latest Áras polls prove correct as Catherine Connolly pulls ahead?And predictions on the eve of Budget '26, as well as a look at tomorrow’s papers…🏛️ Niall Collins TD, Fianna Fáil 🏛️ Billy Kelleher MEP, Fianna Fáíl🏛️ Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit-Solidarity🏛️James Geoghegan, TD, Fine Gael📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent📰 Alison O'Connor, Journalist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 1, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 01 October - Hospitality VAT rate, Budget 2026, Gaza Foltilla
As Budget day looms, we ask will cutting VAT be helpful to a struggling hospitality sector, or is it simply wasteful spending and "economically illiterate?Plus, our panel will be forecasting other key areas in next Tuesday’s package, as households brace for no repeat of one-off supports.And, a look ahead to tomorrow’s front pages and the Gaza Flotilla 🏛️John Lahart TD, Fianna Fáil 🏛️Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Independent Ireland🎓Michael Taft, research officer, SIPTU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 2025 • 46min
Tuesday 30 September - Presidential Debate, Voluntary Asylum Seeker Returns & The Gaza Peace Plan
On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy: What did yesterday's presidential debate reveal about the candidates, and the key issues that will dominate this election? Is the government's plan to splash cash at asylum applicants a "right-wing dog whistle"? We'll also discuss the Gaza "peace plan" along with all of tomorrow's front-page news. 🏛️ Colm Brophy TD, Fine Gael🏛️ Gary Gannon TD, Social Democrats🏛️ Mary Butler TD, Fianna Fáil📰 Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Tonight Show Presidential Debate: Connolly, Humphreys & Gavin Face Off
Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin go head-to-head in the first major TV debate of the presidential election. In this special edition of The Tonight Show, the three candidates outline their visions for Ireland’s future, challenge each other’s policies, and set the tone for the campaign ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 24, 2025 • 46min
Wednesday 24 September - Three Candidates, Trump’s Tirade & The Vape Debate
Ireland’s presidential election is down to just three candidates — the fewest since 1990. Is the system concentrating too much power in too few hands? Minister of State and Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae, Labour TD Marie Sherlock, and Virgin Media News Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly join the debate.Meanwhile, fallout continues from Donald Trump’s explosive speech at the UN General Assembly, with Zara King, Virgin Media News Correspondent, reporting live from New York.And as Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill pushes new legislation to clamp down on single-use vapes, the panel asks: will a ban really work, or just push demand underground? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


