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The Group Chat

Virgin Media News

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A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday morning (or Wednesday night on TV!) as they discuss the latest and breaking news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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On The Record covers the main stories in the Sunday Newspaper Review, looks ahead at the week to come, plus goes back in time to learn lessons for the future with Hidden Histories. Listen and subscribe to On The Record with Gavan Reilly Highlights on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
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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 full…
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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/p…
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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 …
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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 m…
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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…
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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 …
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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 c…
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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: Z…
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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 fo…
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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 wi…
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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 fi…
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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 al…
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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 lates…
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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.…
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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…
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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.…
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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 y…
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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 wee…
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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…
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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 ar…
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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 deba…
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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 C…
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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 o…
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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…
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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 [email protected] 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 …
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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 Rich…
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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 D…
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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…
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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 E…
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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/pr…
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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 …
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss Ireland's recognition of Palestine as a state and what it means for future relations with Israel. A report by the Housing Commission and the lack of politicians knocking on doors could have impacts on the upcoming election. And did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo…
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Richard and Zara discuss the drama surrounding the New York Portal and its recent closure. They talk with journalists Jen Hogan and Patrick Freyne about how teenagers are reacting to what they see on TikTok. And Piers Morgan enters the discourse around Baby Reindeer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Khalid el-Astal about his struggle to get his family out of Gaza. Three new reports have a recommended a number of changes in RTE. And can Bambie Thug win the Eurovison for Ireland for the first time in almost 30 years? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the Mount Street migration and the rising tensions between Ireland and the UK over immigration policy. The results of the Aoife Johnston Inquest has put University Hospital Limerick under pressure. And a new report commissioned by the French government has recommended that children be banned from having a smartphone …
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Gavan and Zara speak with Selina and Louise McDermott for their reactions to the findings of the Stardust Inquest and the subsequent state apology. Richard reports from the inquest into the death of teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick. And they also discuss the difficulties facing the new recycling scheme and the demise of DVDs.…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the conflict between Israel and Iran and speculation that it could lead to a world war. The group speaks to one Kerry farmer, who is spending €3,000 a month on fodder because of the recent spell of bad weather. And "Scoop" throws the group for a loop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Zara, Richard and Gavan look at the housing promises being made by new Taoiseach Simon Harris. They're also joined by James Kavanagh to hear about his own house hunting experience with his partner on "The Great Inspo Home Adventure" and how the Taoiseach's promises don't fill him with confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info…
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Richard and Zara speak to ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship about Kate Middleton's now infamous Mother's Day photo. They discuss the career of Charlie Bird, who passed away this week. And Cillian Murphy makes Oscar history by being the first Irish-born star to win Best Actor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Gavan, Richard and Zara discuss the Taoiseach's upcoming trip to Washington for St. Patrick's Day. Is Cillian Murphy on the home-stretch for an Oscar this weekend? And Ireland goes to the polls; we answer your referendum questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ireland and Spain have written to the President of the EU Commission asking for sanctions against Israel, but will it make a difference? Zara, Gavan and Richard look at the rising cost of the new National Children's Hospital. And questions about Joe Biden's age continue, a new poll says most Americans think he's too old for the White House Hosted o…
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Richard, Zara and Gavan talk to ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship about the recent cancer diagnosis for King Charles and what it means for Britain's royal family. Why the conflict in the Middle East has hit the sales of McDonald's. And more than three decades after it was first released, Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" has become a viral sensation. Hoste…
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