It’s been a stormy first six months for the newly-formed coalition — from bitter rows over speaking rights to growing pressure on healthcare and housing. Has the government weathered the storm, or are cracks already showing?

In this episode of The Tonight Show, Bríd Smith, John Lee, and Gabija Gataveckaite hand out gold stars (and some red cards) as they dissect a turbulent political term and what it signals for the months ahead.

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The government has ruled out any new cost of living supports in the upcoming budget, citing falling inflation and a shift toward infrastructure investment. Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the move in Leaders’ Questions, while Tanaiste Simon Harris confirmed one-off measures will be scrapped. But with reduced VAT for hospitality still costing over €700 million annually, has the government prepared for the political fallout?

Also on the show: the Tanaiste warns of serious risks from potential US tariffs, and Fine Gael confirms Mairead McGuinness as its presidential candidate.

Joining Kieran Cuddihy tonight were Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney, and Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent.

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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy:

Is it finally time to copy other countries and introduce a ‘tourist tax’ in Ireland?

Will Trump pose 200% tariffs on pharmaceuticals, or will he chicken-out?

And Elon Musk’s Grok AI sparks social media outrage with Hitler praise.

📰 Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Mirror

📰 Thomas Hubert, Editor, The Currency

📈 David W. Higgins, Economist

📰 Mick Clifford, Irish Examiner

🏨 Michael Magner, President, Irish Hotels Federation

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On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy

Cabinet agrees to ease apartment size rules in an effort to reduce costs and increase supply. But will the plan do either?

Plus, pressure mounts on government over lack of cost of living supports in the next budget, after Barnardos survey reveals scale of families pushed to brink by rising costs.

And the race for the Aras finally gets interesting, after Mary Lou McDonald refuses to rule herself out as a presidential candidate.

🏛️ James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael

🏛️ Eoin O Broin TD, Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson

📰 Sarah McGuinness, Political Correspondent, Irish Daily Mail

🔴 Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant

🏠 Robin Mandal, Architect and former RIAI president

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With U.S. tariffs looming and EU trade policy at a crossroads, Tánaiste Simon Harris hints at a 10% rate becoming the "new normal." Lucinda Creighton, Kevin Doyle, and Dr. Nora Strecker unpack what this means for Ireland and beyond.

Then, President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” clears the Senate — but what’s in it, and who wins or loses? Niall Stanage of The Hill joins the panel for a fiery breakdown.

Finally, as President Michael D. Higgins prepares to step down, Ireland braces for its first presidential race in over a decade. The panel asks if Ireland really needs a President?

It’s tariffs, Trump, and a turning point in Irish politics — all on The Tonight Show.

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On The Tonight Show, we marked 160 days of the new coalition by asking: where are the bold solutions to the housing crisis?

We also examined the shock news that student fees are rising again—despite previous government pledges to reduce them.

Plus, as Europe swelters under extreme heat, with schools shut in France and bans on outdoor work in Italy, we ask: is this the new normal, and are we ready for it?

Catch the full debate and analysis now.

#TonightVMTV

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On The Tonight Show with Gavan Reilly

Driven by economic growth, rising demands and government policies, Ireland is now ranked as Europe’s second most-expensive country.

But for many, the prosperity is not trickling down.

Also, what does the future hold for jobs and the economy in an AI world, and can Ireland keep up?

Plus, gondolas and angry locals: Jeff Bezos’ wedding brings Venice to a standstill.

🏛️ Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, Fianna Fáil

🏛️ Darren O’Rourke TD, Sinn Féin,

🎓 Dr Emma Howard, Economist, TU Dublin

📰 Sinead Ryan, Journalist & Broadcaster

📰 Emmet Ryan, Tech Journalist

👨‍💻 Mark Kelly, Founder, AI Ireland

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On The Tonight Show with Gavan Reilly

After the missiles came the F-bombs - Donald Trump furious as both Israel and Iran appear to flout the terms of his brokered ceasefire.

As the EU threatens consequences over Gaza, Ireland prepares a bill to ban goods from occupied Palestinian territories.

And the trailer drops for Saipan — but 20 years on, does Keane v McCarthy still stir the same emotion?

🏛️ Catherine Callaghan TD, Fine Gael

🏛️ Duncan Smith TD, Labour Party

🎓 Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute, UCD

📰 Daniel McConnell, Editor, The Business Post

📰 Daniel Hussey, Sports Journalist

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