Ploughing Politics, Pagers and Pennsylvania

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.