The Tonight Show

With the Dáil back in session, the Government faces fresh criticism after the EU approved the controversial Mercosur trade deal — despite a last-minute vote against it by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Farmers’ groups say Ireland was “sold out”. Did the Government do enough to object?Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney and Irish Independent Political Editor Mary Regan to debate the political fallout.The focus then turns to the growing Grok deepfake scandal. The Taoiseach has stepped up his criticism of Elon Musk’s platform X, calling for a ruthless approach to protecting women and children. However, Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan says responsibility does not rest with the tech giant alone, pointing instead to Gardaí, regulators and the public.

Homelessness in Ireland has climbed to a new record, sparking political backlash after Tánaiste Simon Harris claimed a “significant number” of people in emergency accommodation do not have a housing right in the State. What do the latest figures reveal — and where does responsibility lie?Joining the debate are Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy and homeless campaigner Alice Leahy.The discussion then turns to rising tolls and chronic congestion on the M50, which is now generating more than €500,000 every working day. Is the motorway becoming an unavoidable tax on workers with no alternative transport? Motoring editor Geraldine Herbert weighs in.Finally, as Taoiseach Micheál Martin leaves the door open to backing the controversial Mercosur trade deal, we go to China where Gavan Reilly reports on the closing stages of the Taoiseach’s trade mission, focused on food exports, tourism and wind energy.

Guest host John Lee and his panel Neale Richmond, Patricia Stephenson, and Scott Lucas examine Donald Trump’s aggressive start to the year — from seizing Venezuela’s president to threats against Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and now Greenland, with military options reportedly under discussion.Later, Neale Richmond, Patricia Stephenson, and Alex Cooney discuss the European Commission’s investigation into Elon Musk’s AI tool Grok, which is reportedly producing sexualised deepfake images of women and children.Global power plays and digital dangers — on The Tonight Show.

2025 was certainly eventful. The Tonight Show looks back at the stories, moments, people and villains that defined the year.Guest presenter Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Shane Coleman, Newstalk Breakfast Presenter; Liz Carolan, Tech and Democracy Journalist; and Larry Donnelly, Lawyer and Political Columnist, to reflect on the political highs and lows of 2025 — including who had the strongest year and who struggled the most.A year in review — on The Tonight Show.

The long-awaited report into Fianna Fáil’s presidential campaign has finally been published. It confirms that senior party figures were warned on two occasions — just days before the selection vote — about concerns involving Jim Gavin and a tenant issue. He was asked about it and professed no recollection. The report states: “Nothing further was done.”Joining the discussion are Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins, Sunday Times columnist Alison O’Connor, and public affairs consultant and former Fianna Fáil adviser Derek Mooney. Gavan Reilly, Virgin Media News Political Correspondent, reports from Leinster House where a special party meeting is underway.Also covered: the Government has approved plans for a new hospital with its own emergency department for the Midwest, following serious concerns about patient safety at University Hospital Limerick highlighted in a HIQA report.

A senior EU official has linked last week’s drones over Dublin Bay to “hybrid attacks from Russia”, marking the first public accusation of its kind. With Ireland set to host the EU presidency next year, how secure are we? John Mooney, Investigations Editor with The Sunday Times, former TD and retired Army Officer Cathal Berry, and Euronews Europe Correspondent Shauna Murray join the debate.Later, the panel examines the rise of violent drug gangs in rural Ireland, following the tragic deaths of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his grand-aunt Mary Holt in an arson attack linked to Midlands drug intimidation.Plus: Storm Bram batters the country, leaving thousands without power. We get the latest from Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather.

The Government is set to pilot a new digital age-verification system aimed at strengthening online protections for children. Minister for Communications Patrick O'Donovan says the tool will be vital in tackling harmful content and improving online safety. We discuss the implications with Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney, and Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent.Later, hospitals across the country tighten visitor restrictions as a new flu strain hits “fast and hard,” raising concerns about mounting pressure on the health system. Professor Christine Loscher, Immunologist at DCU, breaks down what this means for the weeks ahead.

On The Tonight Show with Fionnán Sheahan: From ‘vetocracy to democracy’ - the government’s new Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan promises a cultural shift in Irish planning. We ask whether these reforms can finally rebalance individual rights to object with the need to deliver major public projects.And as the Herzog Park controversy reignites debate over historical links and colonial origins in place names, we explore whether Ireland is entering a wider national discussion about how we commemorate our past.🏛️ Ryan O’Meara TD, Fianna Fail🎓 Orla Hegarty, Architect, Assistant Professor UCD 📰 Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner   💼 Michael O’Flynn, CEO & Chairman, O’Flynn Group 📰 Ronan McGreevy, Author and journalist, The Irish Times 

On The Tonight Show with Fionnán Sheahan: Ireland hosts a wartime president as Volodymyr Zelensky arrives for a state visit, coinciding with reports that Moscow is weighing amendments to a US-backed peace plan.Plus, rumours are mounting that Gerry “The Monk” Hutch is preparing another bid for office in next year’s Dublin Central by-election.But what are his chances? 🏛️ Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State🏛️ Marie Sherlock TD, Labour 📰 Harry McGee, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times