The Tonight Show

Metrolink moves a step closer after Transport Infrastructure Ireland acquires a major section of O’Connell Street, but questions remain over rising costs and whether Ireland’s biggest infrastructure project could become a financial burden.Meanwhile, concerns grow over e-scooter safety after almost half of Temple Street’s ICU beds are occupied by children with head injuries linked to accidents, prompting calls for tighter regulation.And the FAI votes on whether to proceed with the controversial Ireland vs Israel fixtures — but will the decision settle the debate?Shane Coleman was joined by:Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil   Aidan O’Farrelly TD, Soc Dems  Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor, Irish Examiner Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor, Irish Independent John Joe O'Connell, Vice President, GRA

Sinn Féin’s proposal for a United Ireland preparations bill faces opposition from Government, reigniting debate over who should lead the conversation on a future referendum and the path towards unity.Meanwhile, questions grow over the justice system after a murder accused was left without legal representation during Garda custody, while the family of Shane O’Farrell calls for urgent action on bail reform.And in the UK, Nigel Farage triggers another by-election after resigning as an MP — only to seek re-election again amid questions over his political future.Shane Coleman was joined by:James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael   Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein    Emma DeSouza, Journalist Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at DCU Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager at Irish Penal Reform Trust Anna Gross, Political correspondent, Financial Times

Ireland begins its EU presidency amid growing pressure over defence, neutrality and online regulation. We examine whether Ireland can remain an impartial broker, ask if tech regulation is compromised by its ties to Big Tech, and discuss why illegal scramblers remain a danger despite Grace's Law.Shane Coleman was joined by:Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of StateRichard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before Profit - SolidarityAisling Maloney, Political Reporter, Irish IndependentJohnny Ryan, Director of Enforce, ICCL

Fuel cuts extended to September. Is the Government afraid of more protests? Plus, are the one-off rural housing changes a solid foundation for future generations?Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: Seamus McGrath TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Fianna Fail Pearse Doherty TD, Spokesperson on Finance, Sinn Fein Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times Ireland  Kevin McPartlan, CEO Fuels for Ireland John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist Donncha Ó hÉallaithe, Chair of BÁNÚ 

The Taoiseach defends the decision to scrap the triple lock amid criticism from Fianna Fáil backbenchers, who argue it represents a fundamental shift in Ireland’s traditional approach to neutrality. The move comes as the Government prepares for a forthcoming EU presidency, where defence spending is expected to be a contentious issue.Meanwhile, opposition parties are calling for a proposed meeting involving Palantir founder Peter Thiel in Wicklow to be blocked, following reports of a secretive retreat. The development raises questions about Ireland’s relationship with Silicon Valley and the broader politics of protest.Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and DefenceMairéad Farrell TD, Sinn FéinNiamh Ní Bhriain, coordinator of the War and Pacification Programme at the Transnational Institute

Extreme temperatures across Europe have raised fresh questions about climate resilience, with two-thirds of the continent’s population experiencing heat above 35 degrees, conditions intensified by human-induced climate change. Ireland is also expected to record its highest temperature on record in the coming days, prompting renewed debate about preparedness and long-term adaptation.On The Tonight Show, the panel examines what mitigation measures may now be needed as extreme heat becomes more frequent, and whether Ireland is vulnerable to future climate shocks.The discussion also turns to the Government’s climate strategy, including concerns over continued expansion of data centres and whether economic and technological priorities risk overtaking emissions targets. AI regulation and child safety online are also explored, with questions over how to balance innovation with safeguarding and whether big tech’s influence is outpacing policy.Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for AI    Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats Spokesperson for Climate, Environment & Energy Oisín Coughlan, Public Policy Advisor Mick Moran, Chief Executive of the Irish Internet Hotline

Tapped out by rising bills - publicans call time on rising costs and wage inflation as they outline budget asks while citing mass closures over the last decade. But as another report highlights the harms that alcohol brings, is it last chance saloon for the rural pub?  Plus, carrying the costs - hauliers call for temporary supports to remain, along with further tax reductions, despite the potential for a US-Iran deal to drive down fuel prices.Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:Peter “Chap” Cleere TD, Fianna FáilRose Conway-Walsh TD, Sinn FéinAlison O’Connor, Columnist, The Sunday TimesMichael O'Donovan, President, Vintners' Federation of IrelandGer Hyland, Irish Road Hauliers AssociationCiaran Nugent - Nevin Economic Research Institute

Short-term lettings register brought to Cabinet after delays — but will local authorities have the resources to enforce the new rules?Minister claims thousands of homes will come “very quickly” as developers warn of a structural housing crisis and major barriers to supplyPlus, G7 focus returns to Ukraine as tensions rise after a Russian warship incident in the English ChannelGuest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:John Cummins TD, Minister of State, Department of Housing  Conor Sheahan TD, Labour Party Spokesperson on Housing, Ciara O'Loughlin, Political Correspondent, The Irish Mirror Kevin Timoney Chief Economist at Davy Ross Cullen, Paris Bureau Chief, FSN 

Stephen Ogilvie’s family have said “unrest is not welcome” following recent violence in Belfast, as concerns grow over whether online rhetoric could fuel further disorder.Meanwhile, independent broadcasters are reacting to a proposed 39% increase in levies, warning it could threaten the sector’s viability.Plus, Ken Early joins us from Mexico City as we look ahead to the World Cup.Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:Senator Garret Ahearn, Fine GaelEdel McGinley, Executive Director, Hope and Courage Collective Harry McGee, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times  Sammy Wilson MP, DUPEamonn McCann, Activist & Journalist John Purcell, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland Ken Early, Journalist