The Group Chat

On this episode of The Group Chat, Professor Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics joins us to explain how the Iran-Israel conflict escalated so fast — and what could happen next. We also explore what government insiders are really saying about the housing crisis, and ask if €250 million is just too much for one Euromillions winner in Cork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Group Chat, the government faces growing scrutiny over its plans to expand Rent Pressure Zones nationwide ahead of the Dáil's summer break. We also discuss mounting questions for An Garda Síochána following their handling of several high-profile cases—from the shooting in Carlow to developments in the Tina Satchwell and Michael Gaine investigations. Plus, what's next for Gaza after the interception of the Madleen aid flotilla? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, we are joined in studio by actor Liam Cunningham to discuss the Gaza flotilla.We take an in-depth look back at the trial of Richard Satchwell with Virgin Media News courts correspondent Deborah Nayor. Plus, we examine the online fallout from the shooting incident in Carlow last weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Group Chat, Stephen Breen from The Irish Sun joins the panel to discuss the first extradition of a member of the Kinahan crime gang. We examine what exactly is Ireland's role in fundraising for Israel's war campaign in Gaza, and whether RTÉ should be spending money on outside agencies for its own internal ads. All that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, we discuss whether we are now at a tipping point in Gaza?Also on the show, we look at the latest developments in the Michael Gaine investigation.Plus, we go behind the gates in the Secret Life of Leinster House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vladimir Putin skips peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy — we hear from Ukrainians in Ireland who fear a sustained peace may never come. One year into the job, is Simon Harris facing internal pressure in Fine Gael? And a new report on the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed scandal reveals no value-for-money checks and no accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, Richard is reporting live from Vatican City, where all eyes are fixed on the iconic chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the world awaits the white smoke.Zara checks in from Sweden, where 'flat-pack homes' are transforming housing – though Gavan remains unconvinced the model could take root in Ireland.Also on the show, Killian Woods from the Sunday Business Post joins to unpack Ireland's staggering $967 billion ‘tax mirage' – what it means and why has it increased so quickly.Plus, a broadcasting era ends as Joe Duffy hangs up the mic at Liveline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast rap trio KNEECAP are being investigated by UK counter-terror police over comments made during past performances. But is the media missing the mark? The panel unpacks whether the controversy is a backlash against protest music, a distraction from the deepening crisis in Gaza, or both. The discussion focuses on public reaction, political response, and how music has long sparked uncomfortable conversations.Also in this episode:- The Government faces backlash over the so-called “Housing Czar” salary plan- 39 people, including children, are deported to Georgia from Dublin- A public appeal from the family of Michael Gaine, as Gardaí upgrade the investigation to homicideSubscribe now for the latest political analysis, cultural commentary and what's making headlines across Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Group Chat this week, Richard is live from Vatican City as thousands gather in St Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis - but did he have a chance encounter with the next pope? Or is Dubliner Cardinal Kevin Farrell going to bring it home for Drimnagh?Also on this episode, Gavan And Zara discuss the changes to how teachers are appointed and their potential consequences.Plus, why are gigs north of the border so much cheaper?

With Ireland's housing crisis at breaking point, The Group Chat asks the big question: Why does it take so long to get any infrastructure projects off the ground?Zara King, Richard Chambers and Gavan Reilly dig into delays, frustrations, and what's holding Ireland back.Also on this week's episode:

On The Group Chat this week: Donald Trump hits the brakes on his sweeping tariffs – but is it a tactical retreat or just a pause? And what does it mean for Ireland's economic outlook?The team also dive into the latest developments in the CHI spinal surgery scandal and the ongoing search for missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine.Plus, is Dubai chocolate worth the hype? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard and Gavan take a deep dive into the Dáil row that could cost Verona Murphy her position as Ceann Comhairle.War plans in another group chat, we explain the White House Signal security scandal.Plus, is Irish football back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The group is back together in studio to discuss the fallout of Conor McGregor's White House invitation on St. Patrick's Day and what it means for future US-Ireland relations.Israel has broken its ceasefire with Hamas through a renewed series of bombings, while the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire is still up in the air.And Amazon has launched a dedicated Irish website; will this impact smaller businesses across the country? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavan takes Zara and Richard inside Donald Trump's famous home in Washington as he prepares for his meeting with the Taoiseach.The group also discuss the latest moves towards a ceasefire in Ukraine as Kyiv agrees to back the American peace plan. They also speak to Guardian International Correspondent Michael Safi about the latest unrest in Syria, ISIS and fears of a civil war. Later Zara gives her verdict on Meghan Markle's new Netflix 'lifestyle series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special emergency episode, Gavan joins Richard and Zara from Washington for reaction to the Taoiseach's meeting with the U.S. President as Trump tells him that the American pharmaceutical industry has "gone to Ireland". We ask did the Taoiseach do enough to stand up to Trump who dominated the Oval Office meeting? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King break down the week that shook global politics. As Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy clash publicly, US-Europe relations hit a new low—so where does that leave Ireland?The team discusses:

Gavan and Zara discuss the rise in violence against women in Ireland and speak with Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson on what can be done to solve it.US President Donald Trump has secured a minerals deal with Ukraine as efforts continue to end the war. What precedent does this set for other world leaders?And would you pass the driving test? A call has been made for drivers to resit the theory test every 10 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King discuss: Safety in Dublin as a restaurant owner shares his crime ordeal. "Shed-sits" are suggested as an option to aid Ireland's ever-worsening housing crisis. Has America just thrown Europe under the bus on defence? Plus, after 11 gloomy days, the sun finally makes an appearance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara analyse Fianna Fail's previous promises on housing projections and discuss new proposals to remove rent caps.Are all parties being held to the same account? Senator Martin Conway has resigned from Fine Gael after faling to disclose being arrested for public intoxication last month.And the League of Ireland will now be fully televised, but will this drive up engagement amongst Irish football fans? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Group Chat, we speak to the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland about Donald Trump's controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its population. Plus, the Government backs down on Dáil speaking time row—but for how long? And we break down all the biggest moments from the Grammys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect on the aftermath of Storm Éowyn and discuss the consequences it may have for the newly-formed government.Only 3 of the 15 ministers in the new cabinet are women; the group looks at what this means for future female representation in politics. And DeepSeek has dominated the AI market; will this hurt Trump's plan for America to rule the AI industry? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King examine the turbulent starts for new governments in Ireland and the U.S.In Dublin, the Dáil adjourned without even hearing nominations for a new Taoiseach, leaving Ireland in political limbo. Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump's America First 2.0 agenda has already ignited major controversy.What's next for these administrations? Get the full breakdown now on Spotify and Virgin Media Play!

Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in studio to discuss the next government and what its make-up means for Independents and you.Unprecedented fires have ravaged parts of the city of L.A., but will it recover before the 2028 Olympics?And tech billionaires will be taking centre-stage at Donald Trump's inauguration; what does it mean for the future of social media? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara are beginning the New Year with a cold snap that has gripped the nation and discuss if the Met Éireann weather warning system needs an update.Government formation talks are back in action but will a deal be made soon and what role will the Healy-Rae brothers have?And are billionaires bending to Donald Trump? Elon Musk has been starting rows with Keir Starmer while Mark Zuckerberg removes fact-checking from Meta products. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the end of year special and that means 2024 is almost over! Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect back on the year's events and try to predict what the biggest stories of 2025 will be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara are back to chat about Israel's decision to close its embassy in Ireland, and what it means for future government policy.The next Dáil has met for the first time and elected Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle - the group analyses her track record, Seán Ó Fearghaíl's re-election attempt, and whether you should care about who chairs Dáil proceedings.And Storm Darragh has caused significant damage to Holyhead Port. How will this affect your shopping - and the hundreds of thousands trying to get home for Christmas? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavan and Zara speak with independent TD Michael Healy-Rae for how he plans to enter the next government and if a ministerial position is in the cards.What is going on with Eoin Hayes? Gavan explains the controversy surrounding the Social Democrats member and what his path to the Dáil looks like.And Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has fallen: Zara reflects on the reactions from Syrians living in Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in studio to reflect on the 2024 General Election and look at how the next government will be formed.They also discuss the latest developments in the war in Syria and what it means on an international scale.And Spotify Wrapped 2024 is out; did Richard have a "brat summer"? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an Election Day special as, for the first time, the Group Chat went live on Virgin Media One!Gavan's in studio, Richard's at the RDS and Zara's in Cork to discuss the media frenzy around Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch after his election defeat.Labour and Social Democrats have performed well, but how will this affect government formation?And what will the politicians of the future look like? Micheál Martin and Holly Cairns may have successors on the way... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a campaign that was slow to catch fire, and sudden lurches in the opinion polls, the big Leaders' Debate on RTÉ was the last chance for the three would-be Taoisigh to really pack a punch… so did they? Zara, Richard and Gav (live from the national broadcaster's car park) discuss, with gossip from behind the scenes in Montrose.Plus: for the first time ever, we're live on the telly this weekend! Join us on Virgin Media One at 7pm this Sunday as we rake over the coals of Election 24. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team sits down with Derval McDonald from Inclusion Ireland to unpack the controversy surrounding outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris' dismissal of a disability care worker, Charlotte Fallon, during a campaign stop in Cork. With just five days until the general election, could this misstep become a turning point for Fine Gael's campaign? The team also the outcome of the civil assault case against Conor McGregor.Don't miss the analysis and debate on these crucial topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard and Zara speak with Hannah McCarthy, a journalist in Lebanon, to understand the ground situation in the country and what Israel's ultimate game plan is.Gavan joins in from New York at the UN General Assembly to discuss Simon Harris' comments on housing and Micheál Martin meeting Meryl Streep.And will the costs and delays of the National Children's Hospital be a talking point in the upcoming general election? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard has returned to Gavan and Zara from Pennsylvania to discuss the 'Kamala Wave' in America and the implications of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump.The group discusses the political plans of politicians at the ploughing.And Pager Panic; what do the pager bombings against Hezbollah mean for tensions in the Middle East? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavan and Zara talk with Shireen Khero, an ISIS survivor, who discusses how she was taken from her home and the 10 year anniversary of the genocide of the Yazidi people in Syria.Team Taylor is Team Kamala; the international popstar has endorsed the presidential nominee after the first debate.And the Apple Tax Windfall; what will the tax ruling by the EU mean for the upcoming elections? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.