The Group Chat

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Richard and Zara join Gavan to discuss the ongoing counts for MEPs in the Ireland South and Midlands-Northwest constituencies.They also analyse the results of the local elections and what they mean for the major parties.And Gavan speaks with Will Dalton from Virgin Media Sport for his perspective on Irish athletics and the recent results in the European Championships.

Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the upcoming local and European elections and what the newest exit polls may suggest.Nigel Farage is making an ambitious 8th try for a position in the UK parliament in the July election.And Gail Platt is leaving Coronation Street; the group reflects on the character over the years.

Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Palestine's Ambassador to Ireland, for her first in-studio interview after Ireland's recognition of Palestinian statehood and discuss the most recent tragedy in Rafah.RTÉ 2FM is facing significant challenges following a series of departures by its top talent.And do you trust Temu? The group discusses the online retail giant.

Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss Ireland's recognition of Palestine as a state and what it means for future relations with Israel.A report by the Housing Commission and the lack of politicians knocking on doors could have impacts on the upcoming election.And did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice?