The Group Chat

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.

Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Palestine's Ambassador to Ireland, for her first in-studio interview after Ireland's recognition of Palestinian statehood and discuss the most recent tragedy in Rafah.RTÉ 2FM is facing significant challenges following a series of departures by its top talent.And do you trust Temu? The group discusses the online retail giant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.