The Group Chat

Richard, Gavan and Zara catch back up again (from car parks across the land!) to chew the fat about the brewing fiscal war between Fine Gael and Sinn Féin. Is the national piggy bank really being smashed? What impact will the John McGahon controversy have? Is Fianna Fáil sailing pretty? And should we be paying more attention to Donald Trump's latest Cabinet pick?The Big Interview with Mary Lou McDonald airs at 10pm tonight (Wednesday) on Virgin Media One.

Richard, Gavan and Zara review this week's election campaign events and discuss how Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's fighting may be an advantage for Sinn Féin.Donald Trump's cabinet picks are making waves, after RFK Jr. and Matt Gaetz receive top positions.And the group reflects on the life and work of D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny.

With Election 2024 finally underway, Richard, Zara and Gavan are on the road following the campaigns and talking to voters about what they want. Richard's witnessed some competitive jiving, Zara's been speaking to angry teachers, and Gav isn't sure if the war of words between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is all for show… We're moving our TV instalment to Sundays at 7pm for the duration of the campaign, so be sure to tune in for more Group Chat this weekend!

Gavan and Zara are joined by Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman in studio to discuss his handling of immigration and childcare and the difficulties he faces as party leader.And Richard joins in from the US to reflect on Donald Trump's historic re-election, how Kamala Harris' campaign failed to attract voters and what the result means for Ukraine.

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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.