Fuel protests are intensifying across Ireland, with blockades entering a second day and pressure mounting on Government to intervene.

Protesters insist they will not move without direct talks, as the Minister for Justice claimed that an “unelected group” is disrupting the country.

Meanwhile, tensions ease slightly in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has pulled back, with Iran agreeing to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as a ceasefire begins. But uncertainty remains, with Israel saying it has halted attacks on Iran while continuing strikes in Lebanon.

Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:

Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil

Mairéad Farrell TD, Sinn Féin

Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish Examiner

James Geoghegan, Agricultural contractor

Kevin McPartlan, CEO, Fuels for Ireland

Tara Kangarlou, Global Affairs Journalist

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Fuel protests have caused disruption across Ireland, with convoys from multiple counties slowing key routes into Dublin amid growing anger over rising costs.

While major representative groups are not formally involved, the pressure from farmers, hauliers and contractors is clear - and questions are mounting over whether the government will be forced to act.

Could fuel rationing become a reality - and if so, who gets priority?

Meanwhile, attention shifts to the Middle East, where tensions are escalating.

Iran is under pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a US-backed ceasefire deal.

Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:

Barry Ward TD, Fine Gael

Peadar Toibín TD, Aontú

Ciara O'Loughlin, Political Correspondent, The Irish Mirror

John Dallon, Farmer and protestor

Anthony Zurcher, BBC’s North America correspondent

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Donald Trump warns the US can leave Iran “pretty quickly” and return if necessary ahead of his address tonight — but will he also withdraw from NATO?

Meanwhile, Europe faces aviation fuel disruptions from early May, with air fares expected to rise. The EU Commissioner for Energy urges remote working and reduced travel, and government guidance on conserving energy is expected in the coming weeks.

And in space news, Artemis II set for orbit, marking the first fully-crewed lunar mission since 1972.

Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by:

Shane Moynihan TD, Fianna Fail

Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats

Daniel McConnell, Editor, Business Post

Leo Enright, Space Commentator & Broadcaster

Amy Tarkanian, Republican Strategist

Prof Lisa Ryan, UCD

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