With South Africa addressing the top UN court to demand that Israel immediately suspend its military operation in Gaza, the Government is coming under increased pressure for its refusal to support the bid. Amid apparent differences within the Coalition, the unity across the Opposition benches is adding to the administration's discomfort.

In this special Christmas edition, Tommy Meskill speaks to Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Labour's justice spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Ciara Phelan of the Irish Examiner... as they look ahead to 2024 and the big political events on the horizon.

After speculation had hit fever-pitch, the DUP this week torpedoed hopes of a restoration of power-sharing before Christmas. What went wrong? Áine Lawlor is joined by Northern Editor Vincent Kearney, who gives the inside track on the last-minute derailment.

Soc Dem leader Holly Cairns talks to Áíne about facial recognition and a 'worrying' lack of data underpinning cuts to benefits for Ukrainian refugees. Also, Robert Troy's Christmas woes, a good week for Eamon Ryan and 'green-lash' in the Dutch elections.

They stand for "common sense" politics which does "what it says on the tin", Mattie McGrath says of the Rural Independent Group. This week that included a heated debate on immigration. He tells Áine that he doesn't take offence at people misunderstanding him. "But who are you loyal to, Mattie?" asks Micheál. Senator David Norris also features.

On the day the Dáil held a minute's silence for Shane MacGowan, the political system continued to grapple with the fallout from the Dublin riots. Helen McEntee may face a no confidence motion, while Drew Harris still refuses to accept that gardaí lost control of the capital's streets. Áine and the team consider the week's political developments.

As Ireland reels from is first stabbing outside a Dublin city school, Áine and the team assess latest reaction. They discuss the row over the Government's decision to abandon the triple lock governing peace-keeping missions abroad, and explain why workers, employers and the self employed will have to pay more PRSI in the years ahead.

Irish people have begun to leave Gaza for safety, while outside Leinster House protestors made clear their anger at the ongoing bombardment. Paul Cunningham in Israel recounts how an air raid alert forced Micheál Martin's convoy off the road. The Tánaiste also faced some tough questions from Israelis concerned that Ireland is not in their corner.

PAC unanimously rejects RTÉ's compromise offer and the stand-off over that legal note rumbles on. What next? Micheál is at the Élysée Palace where EU leaders grapple with the bloodshed in Gaza, Back home, rumours abound of a general election before May.

Áine Lawlor is joined by Tommy Meskill and Juliette Gash to consider the week's political developments.