Virgin Media News
Why Is China Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Ireland?
- Title
- Why Is China Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Ireland?
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “If Ireland becomes its way in to trying to thaw things with the EU, then for China, that is not a bad thing at all.”
The Group Chat unpacks the red-carpet treatment for Micheál Martin in Beijing and why China may see Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency as a strategic opening in its strained relationship with Europe.
📺 Catch up on Virgin Media Play
🎧 Listen where you get your podcasts
- Title
- The Grok Deepfake Scandal: How Big Is The Problem And What Can Ireland Do?
- Runtime
- 2:04
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “6,700 images were being generated in this way every single hour.”
The Group Chat looks at the scale of the Grok sexualised deepfake problem, from the alarming numbers being reported, to the growing pressure on the Irish Government to respond.
📺 Tonight at 10PM | Virgin Media Play & Virgin Media One
- Title
- Protests Erupt Across US After Fatal ICE Shooting
- Runtime
- 2:03
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Protests have spread across US cities after a young mother was shot dead at point-blank range by an ICE immigration agent in Minneapolis. Federal officials say she tried to hit agents with her car, a claim rejected by the city’s mayor.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Ireland To Vote Against Mercosur Trade Deal
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Ireland is set to vote against the controversial Mercosur trade deal ahead of an EU-level vote tomorrow. If approved, it would create the world’s largest free trade zone. Farmers here have raised concerns about competition from cheaper South American beef.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Gardaí Investigate Discovery of Man and Young Boy in West Dublin
- Runtime
- 1:21
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- A Garda investigation is underway after the bodies of a man and a young boy were found at separate homes in West Dublin. The discoveries were made at houses in Ballyfermot and Clondalkin.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Record Homelessness in Ireland: Migration a ‘Significant Factor’ Says Taoiseach
- Runtime
- 22:06
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Homelessness in Ireland has reached a record high, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. Controversy surrounds Tánaiste Simon Harris, who sparked criticism by claiming a ‘significant number’ in emergency accommodation ‘don’t have a housing right’ in Ireland.
Joining guest presenter John Lee on The Tonight Show to debate the crisis:
Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy
Homeless Campaigner Alice Leahy
They discuss the causes of the rising homelessness figures, the government’s response, and what needs to be done to address Ireland’s growing housing emergency.
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The Tonight Show | Tuesday & Wednesday at 10 PM | Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Play
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#VMNews #Ireland #tonightvmtv #TheTonightShow #JohnLee #IrishPolitics #HomelessnessIreland #SimonHarris #PaulMcAuliffe #MattCarthy #AliceLeahy #HousingCrisis #Ireland
- Title
- Motorist Clocked At 237km/h As Gardaí Release Christmas Road Figures
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- A senior roads policing garda has warned motorists that drinking coffee behind the wheel can be as distracting as eating or using a phone, as gardaí released details of their Christmas Road Safety Campaign.
Over the festive period, 765 motorists were arrested for drink or drug driving, while 26,500 were detected for speeding - including one driver clocked at 237km/h in a 100km/h zone.
#VMNews
- Title
- AI Minister Seeks Urgent Meeting With X Over Deepfake Images
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The AI Minister Niamh Smyth is seeking an urgent meeting with senior figures at the social media platform X over its Grok artificial intelligence feature, which can generate sexualised deepfake images of women and children.
Smyth says the function is “disturbing and deeply worrying”.
#VMNews
- Title
- Can Ireland Play A Role As Trump’s Greenland Plans Alarm Europe?
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “When the rules of the game are broken… it’s incumbent on Ireland as part of the EU to try to get some of those rules back into play.”
Following Donald Trump’s comments about “acquiring” Greenland, including the White House saying military force is an option, the #TonightVMTV panel discussed the pushback from EU and NATO leaders — and what role, if any, Ireland can play in responding.
📺 Watch the full discussion ➡️ https://youtu.be/941Xibri-eE
- Title
- Snow And Ice Warnings Issued As Severe Weather Hits Europe
- Runtime
- 1:29
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Severe winter weather is causing disruption across Europe, with parts of the UK warned to expect up to 10 centimetres of snow tomorrow.
Met Éireann has also issued a snow and ice warning for the south and south east of Ireland, while freezing conditions have forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights in several European countries.
#VMNews
- Title
- Trump’s Greenland Plans Risk Strain With European Allies And NATO
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Donald Trump’s sharpening focus on Greenland - and comments that using the US military to acquire the Danish territory is “always an option” - have put him on a potential collision course with European leaders and NATO allies.
Trump has framed Greenland as a national security priority, but major European powers have rallied behind Denmark and emphasised that Greenland belongs to its people, rejecting any notion of a US takeover.
#VMNews
- Title
- Ireland To Finalise Mercosur Vote Ahead Of EU Deadline
- Runtime
- 2:05
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government will make its final decision “towards the end of the week” on how Ireland will vote on the controversial Mercosur trade deal.
EU member states are due to vote on the agreement on Friday, with Martin fielding questions on Ireland’s position while continuing his official visit to China.
#VMNews
- Title
- Trump’s New Year: Venezuela, Global Threats, and Greenland?
- Runtime
- 21:28
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Donald Trump has reportedly begun the new year with an assertive foreign policy, seizing Venezuela’s president through military force and publicly threatening Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Iran — and now Greenland. In a statement to Reuters, the White House said options for acquiring Greenland are being discussed, by military force if necessary.
Joining guest presenter John Lee on The Tonight Show to discuss the implications:
Fine Gael Minister of State Neale Richmond
Social Democrats Senator & Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Patricia Stephenson
Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics, UCD Clinton Institute
They break down Trump’s foreign policy approach, the potential global impact, and what this means for international relations moving forward.
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The Tonight Show | Tuesday & Wednesday at 10 PM | Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Play
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#VMNews #Ireland #TheTonightShow #JohnLee #Tr...
- Title
- Young Scientist Exhibition Opens At RDS With Former Winner’s Company As Title Sponsor
- Runtime
- 1:41
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Students are arriving at Dublin’s RDS as the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition opens, with projects being unveiled across the venue.
This year’s event has a new title sponsor, global payments company Stripe, founded by the Collison brothers. Patrick Collison is himself a former winner of the Young Scientist competition.
#VMNews
- Title
- Burke Seeks To Block Further Disciplinary Proceedings
- Runtime
- 1:48
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Controversial schoolteacher Enoch Burke has alleged he was 'made a fool of' at a disciplinary appeals hearing, as he seeks to stop a further hearing from going ahead this Saturday.
The High Court is due to decide on Thursday whether the next disciplinary hearing should proceed as scheduled.
#VMNews
- Title
- Calls For Urgent Garda Investigation Into Deepfake Images On X
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Calls are growing for Gardaí to open an urgent investigation into the creation and sharing of sexualised deepfake images of women and girls on the social platform X.
The Taoiseach has described the activity as “shocking”, while legal experts say the platform’s response does not go far enough, adding to pressure on Government and regulators to take action.
#VMNews
- Title
- Rape Crisis Ireland Calls For Ban On AI ‘Nudification’ Tools
- Runtime
- 2:23
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Rape Crisis Ireland is calling for a complete ban on AI functions that can produce deepfake sexual images of children and adults, including so-called “nudification” or “undressing” tools.
The Taoiseach has also condemned the activity, describing it as “shocking”.
#VMNews
- Title
- Donegal Community Stunned After Death Of Local Businessman
- Runtime
- 2:21
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- A priest in Co Donegal has told Virgin Media News that the local community is stunned following the death of well-known businessman Stephen McCahill, who died after an assault in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Singer Imelda May has also posted a photograph of herself with Mr McCahill, taken when she was visiting his pub at the weekend.
#VMNews
- Title
- Taoiseach Meets Senior Chinese Leaders As Visit Continues
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin is continuing his official visit to China with meetings involving the country’s second and third-highest ranking politicians.
Chinese media has reported that Beijing hopes to use Ireland as a bridge to easing trade tensions with the European Union, as talks between the two sides continue.
#VMNews
- Title
- Maduro Pleads Not Guilty In US Court After Dramatic Capture
- Runtime
- 1:48
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has told a New York court he is innocent and has pleaded not guilty to the drug charges he faces.
His court appearance follows a dramatic operation in which US special forces seized Maduro near the Venezuelan capital Caracas and raided his presidential compound, before he and his wife were taken into US custody.
#VMNews
- Title
- Venezuelan Leader Appears In US Court Following Weekend Capture
- Runtime
- 6:40
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Nicolas Maduro has made his first appearance in a New York court after being seized by US troops in a dramatic weekend operation near Caracas.
The Venezuelan leader has pleaded not guilty to drugs and weapons charges. The UN Security Council has since discussed the operation, with several speakers condemning what they described as a US “incursion” into Venezuela.
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Virgin Media News is Ireland's national independent television news service.
Live at 12, 5:30 & 7pm on Virgin Media One.
#VMNews #Ireland #maduro
- Title
- Trump Signals Broader Foreign Policy Goals On Colombia, Cuba And Greenland
- Runtime
- 1:38
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Donald Trump is signalling a renewed push on US foreign policy, focusing on Colombia and the wider region including Mexico and Cuba.
The US president has also returned to his long-stated position on Greenland, insisting America “needs it” for security reasons.
#VMNews
- Title
- Venezuela Swears In New President As Maduro Faces US Court
- Runtime
- 1:36
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Venezuela’s new president is being sworn in today - just hours before her predecessor Nicolás Maduro makes his first court appearance in New York, following his dramatic capture by US troops near Caracas at the weekend.
Maduro is facing drugs and weapons charges. US President Donald Trump has warned the new leader to “do the right thing”, or risk “a very big price”.
#VMNews
- Title
- Taoiseach Meets Xi Jinping as China Seeks Closer Cooperation with Ireland
- Runtime
- 0:49
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- China’s President Xi Jinping has told the Taoiseach he wants closer cooperation with Ireland in areas such as healthcare and artificial intelligence.
The comments were made as Xi Jinping received Micheál Martin for an official meeting in Beijing, marking the start of the Taoiseach’s four-day official visit to China.
#VMNews
- Title
- Homeless Figures Near 17,000 as Number of Children Hits Record High
- Runtime
- 1:52
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Nearly 17,000 people were homeless in November, including a record 5,321 children, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.
The number of people accessing emergency accommodation increased by 12% over the past year.
Separately, new annual data from Daft.ie shows that house prices rose by 5.5%, underlining the continued pressure in the housing market.
#VMNews
- Title
- Emotional Goodbyes as Post-Christmas Travel Rush Begins
- Runtime
- 1:36
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- It’s one of the busiest weeks of the year for the country’s airports, as thousands of people who travelled home for Christmas begin their journeys back abroad.
For many families, today brings emotional scenes, as loved ones say their goodbyes and return to life overseas after the holiday period.
#VMNews
- Title
- New Virgin Media News Documentary Examines Ireland’s Immigration Debate
- Runtime
- 0:30
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- 'Is Ireland Full?'
First broadcast in April 2024, this Virgin Media News documentary examines why immigration has dominated the headlines, hearing from politicians, journalists, campaigners and business owners.
📺 Watch now on the Virgin Media News Ireland YouTube Channel.
- Title
- Is Ireland Full?
- Runtime
- 45:24
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- First broadcast in April 2024, this exclusive Virgin Media News documentary investigates why immigration has been hitting the headlines in recent months.
Throughout the documentary, we hear from a range of voices on the topic, from business owners in the hospitality sector, politicians, journalists, and campaigners.
"I would call it a humanitarian crisis, but anyone who has been following how the government treats the most vulnerable won't be surprised,” says Roisin McAleer of Social Right Ireland.
In a time of war in Europe and the Middle East, the Irish government has announced a new strategy to deal with the number of people entering the country, but with communities divided and services under pressure; many are asking: ‘Is Ireland Full?’
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Virgin Media News is Ireland's national independent television news service.
Live at 12, 5:30 & 7pm on Virgin Media One.
#VMNews #Ireland #VirginMediaNews #ImmigrationIr...
- Title
- The Stories That Defined 2025
- Runtime
- 2:29
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- 2025 has been one of the most eventful years in recent memory. From the election of a new president and political drama in the Dáil, to the destruction brought by Storm Éowyn and mounting global tensions as wars continue, the year was shaped by major moments at home and abroad. These are some of the top stories that dominated the headlines in 2025.
📺 Join the Debate: https://youtu.be/VESKuykiqQI
More on #VMNews
- Title
- What 2026 Could Hold for Leaders at Home and Abroad
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- The Tonight Show panel shared their predictions for 2026 - from the future of Taoiseach Micheál Martin, to the prospects facing the UK’s main party leaders, major storms, and who may start positioning for the 2028 US presidential race.
📺 Catch up on #TonightVMTV on Virgin Media Play
- Title
- Drivers Urged To Put Phones In The Boot For Christmas Travel
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- The head of the Road Safety Authority says drivers should consider putting their mobile phones in the boot to avoid distractions this Christmas. Gardaí have been running extra checkpoints for National Slowdown Day.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- US Justice Department Responds To Latest Epstein Files Release
- Runtime
- 2:22
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- The US Justice Department says material included in the latest release of the Epstein files contains “untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump”. However, it says the documents are being published as part of its commitment to transparency. More than 11,000 documents have been released in the latest tranche from the estate of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Christmas Homecomings Gather Pace at Airports and Ports
- Runtime
- 1:57
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Christmas homecomings are continuing at airports and ports across the country, with today expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the festive period as families reunite ahead of Christmas.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Over 11,000 New Jeffrey Epstein Files Released by US Justice Officials
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- US justice officials have released more than 11,000 new documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files — the largest release so far. The material contains more references to Donald Trump, who has denied wrongdoing and dismissed the files as “a distraction”.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Trump Says US “Needs” Greenland for National Security
- Runtime
- 0:13
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Donald Trump says the US needs to have Greenland for national security. The President was speaking after appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy to Greenland. Denmark has repeatedly said Greenland is not for sale, while the US push is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe. Trump has stood firm on his plans.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Gardaí Out in Full Force Over Christmas
- Runtime
- 1:53
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Over the Christmas period, Gardaí are stepping up patrols to tackle speeding and drink/drug driving. Last week alone saw six lives lost on Irish roads. The operation aims to keep roads safer for all during the busy festive season.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- New South Wales Parliament Recalled to Tackle Hate Crime
- Runtime
- 1:39
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- New South Wales Parliament has been recalled to vote on tougher hate crime laws following the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people. New images show the gunmen undertaking military-style training.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Woman Arrested on Suspicion of the Murder of Daniel Aruebose
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Gardaí in Dublin have arrested a woman in her twenties on suspicion of the murder of toddler Daniel Aruebose. The little boy went missing over four years ago and his remains were found on waste ground in Donabate. The suspect can be questioned for up to 24 hours.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- No Opening Date Yet for National Children’s Hospital
- Runtime
- 1:47
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ "That's up to BAM"
The Health Minister says she cannot give a date for the first patients to be seen at the national Children’s Hospital, as builders have yet to confirm a completion date. However, the first rooms have now been handed over to the operator.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Emotional Christmas Homecomings Continue at Airports
- Runtime
- 0:39
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- 🎄 Emotional reunions continue at airports across the country as families are reunited for Christmas.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Top Russian General Killed in Moscow Car Bomb
- Runtime
- 1:42
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- A senior Russian general has been killed in a car bomb in Moscow, just hours after fresh talks on how to end the war in Ukraine. Kyiv has not commented on the apparent assassination. The Kremlin says it is investigating whether the attack may be linked to Ukrainian special forces.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Dublin Woman Speaks Out on Christmas in Homelessness
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- A Dublin woman who recently left a hotel after seven months has spoken about the challenges facing homeless families. Cheryl Kelly shared her experience as thousands face Christmas without a home. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive says complaints will be investigated.
#VMNews
- Title
- President’s First Christmas Message
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- President Catherine Connolly has released her first Christmas message since taking office. She says she is thinking of those struggling or without a home, and of the millions of people worldwide affected by war and displacement.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Patients to Spend Christmas at Home Under New Hospital Programme
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Some patients who might otherwise have spent Christmas in hospital will now be able to spend the festive season at home under the “Hospital at Home” programme. The “Virtual Ward”, operating at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, has already saved the hospital more than 12,000 bed days since it was introduced.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Gardaí Step Up Christmas Road Traffic Enforcement
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Gardaí are running a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation throughout December, continuing until 5 January. The campaign targets drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt offences during the busiest period on Irish roads.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Anticipation Builds Ahead of Epstein Files Release
- Runtime
- 1:55
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Anticipation is growing in Washington DC ahead of the expected release of files linked to the disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein. After months of delay, the Trump administration is legally obliged to publish the documents later today.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Local Businesses Fight Back Against Online Retailers This Christmas
- Runtime
- 2:36
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Irish shoppers are set to spend billions this Christmas despite the cost of living crisis. Smaller towns and villages are urging locals to shop nearby to support local businesses against big online retailers.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Fota Wildlife Park Re-Opens After Bird Flu Closure
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- After a ten-week closure caused by a bird flu outbreak, Fota Wildlife Park in Cork will re-open tomorrow morning. Staff shared footage from behind the closed gates and say they are eager to welcome visitors back over the festive period.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Families Reunited at Airports for Festive Period
- Runtime
- 0:33
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the spirit of Christmas is clear at the country’s airports, where families are being reunited with loved ones travelling home for the festive season.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Putin Criticises EU Over Ukraine Loan
- Runtime
- 1:45
- Date posted
- 10 months ago
- Description
- Vladimir Putin has likened the EU to “burglars” after European leaders agreed a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine. He was speaking after the bloc stopped short of using frozen Russian assets to fund the deal.
More on #VMNews
