‘He'd get my vote' says Pat Kenny as he backs ‘well able' Joe Duffy for drastic career swing after Gay Byrne backing row
PAT Kenny has backed his pal Joe Duffy for a tilt at the Aras and said: 'He'd get my vote.'
The
Advertisement
5
Joe Duffy has been backed for a run at the Aras
Credit: Tony Kinlan
5
Pat Kenny said he would vote of Joe to become the next President of Ireland
Credit: Brian McEvoy
5
Micheal D Higgins will be departing Aras an Uachtarain later this year
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
And
Pat told
'Right now I can say if Joe was running for President, I would give him my vote. I can say that before he becomes a candidate.'
Pat said he had 'no idea' what Joe wants to do when he
Advertisement
Read more on Joe Duffy
Pat told us: 'Joe is a man of the people, look at his background. A humble boy from 'Ballyer' who made it good against some significant odds.
'He was a probation officer, then a broadcaster. He has authored several acclaimed books on subjects, including children who lost their lives in the
Pat's public endorsement for Joe as President is significant as Pat got into hot water with several politicians back in 2011 when he went public to say his long-time pal
Gay then later ruled himself out of the Presidency race.
Advertisement
Most read in The Irish Sun
So he explained that he could only voice his endorsement of Joe now before he entered the race for the Presidency, if that's what he decided to do.
Pat told us: 'He may run for the Park. But I don't know what he wants to do.
Joe Duffy fights back tears on air
'Joe is away on holidays for a couple of weeks.
'I also know he wants to paint more because he is a very fine artist.'
Advertisement
Quizzed on who might replace Joe on RTE's Liveline, Pat refused to comment on the suitability of front runners including regular stand-in,
He told us: 'I am not going to speculate in respect to all those who would aspire to that job.
'It will be difficult because it takes years for people to become familiar with a host and Joe came up on the Gay Byrne show and then had his own morning programme.'
However, Pat, whose morning show on Newstalk pulls in 224,000 listeners each day, speculated that RTE bosses may decide to axe the Funny Friday slot on Liveline.
Advertisement
He told us: 'They (RTE) may decide to abandon Funny Friday because Joe is a bit of a stand-up.
'If you saw his interview with
The 2025 Irish presidential election must take place by Tuesday, November 11 this year.
5
Joe and Pat together during their time as RTE colleagues
Credit: PA:Press Association
Advertisement
5
Joe's last show on Liveline is on June 27
Credit: Handout
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
33 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
Drivers facing yet another leap in fuel prices
The conflict between Israel and Iran could push petrol prices up for drivers if the Islamic Republic acts on its threats to block a key global shipping lane. Iran is considering closing the 30-mile-wide Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, in retaliation against Israel's attacks, according to Iranian parliamentarian Esmail Kosari. The strait, which is jointly controlled by Iran and Oman, is a vital artery for the world's fossil fuels. A fifth of all oil shipments pass through it, as well as a third of all liquefied natural gas. The conflict between Israel and Iran could push petrol prices up for drivers if the Islamic Republic acts on its threats to block a key global shipping lane. Pic: Shutterstock Closing it or disrupting the flow of ships, as Iran has threatened in the past, would strangle the supply of oil and gas on global markets, increasing the price of fuel. A blockade would also put pressure on the Irish economy and people's wallets as consumers and firms absorb higher energy costs. Closing it or disrupting the flow of ships, as Iran has threatened in the past, would strangle the supply of oil and gas on global markets, increasing the price of fuel. Pic: Shutterstock While it would be hard for Iran to close the strait entirely, it could disrupt oil shipments by attempting to seize tankers that strayed into its waters. Shipping firms are already reluctant to pass through. Frontline, the world's fourth-largest oil tanker firm, is refusing contracts that use the strait. Brent crude, an international oil benchmark, surged to around $74 a barrel after Israel's attacks on Friday – the highest price in more than two months. But this could go up further if Iran closes the strait.
Irish Post
an hour ago
- Irish Post
TD Paul Murphy among Irish people released after being detained in Egypt
PAUL MURPHY, the People Before Profit TD, is among a number of Irish people that have been released following their detention in Egypt. Murphy was part of the Global March to Gaza attempting to march from Egypt to Gaza to demand aid be provided in the region amid Israel's ongoing blockade. On Friday, he said his bus had been stopped and passengers' passports were taken by Egyptian authorities. He added that they then had their phones taken and were forcibly removed after refusing to get on a bus. He later managed to get a message to his social media team, saying: "Violence got worse after they seized my phone. "One American woman in my group was badly kicked & beaten, and had her hijab torn off." 'Significant violence' On Saturday, Tánaiste Simon Harris said that Irish citizens detained in Egypt, including Mr Murphy, had been released and had their passports returned. "I am pleased that following the work of our embassy staff, all Irish people who were detained yesterday in Rafah have been released and have had their passports returned," he said. "I spoke directly to Deputy Murphy to confirm he and other Irish people have been released from detention, had their passports returned and were receiving consular assistance. "The wellbeing and safety of all Irish citizens abroad is always of concern to me and to my department. "I am aware some Irish citizens have not had their phones returned by the authorities and I have asked our embassy to pursue this." In a social media post on Saturday, Mr Murphy confirmed all Irish citizens had been released but added 'that's not the case for everybody'. "Some of the thousands of others were subject to significant violence by the police, I witnessed some of it myself, and some people are still detained," he said in a video. "Our focus remains on calling for an end to the blockade of Gaza and the forced starvation of the people in Gaza." 'Deeply concerned' In his statement, Mr Harris added that he had spoken to Ireland's ambassadors to Israel, Iran and Egypt over the escalating tensions in the Middle East. "I am pleased to say our embassy staff are safe and well," he said. "This is a dangerous moment for the Middle East. I am deeply concerned about the continuing exchange of air attacks between Israel and Iran. "I reiterate my call for both sides to urgently de-escalate, to open channels for communication and allow a return to diplomacy. "Continuing military action will not bring security for any of the people of the region. "Our embassies are in close contact with members of the Irish community to offer assistance. "We are also working closely with our European counterparts in relation to the situation that is unfolding. "My department continues to advise against all travel to Iran and Israel for Irish citizens. "Irish citizens in the region are advised to be vigilant and to follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place." See More: Egypt, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Paul Murphy, Simon Harris
The Journal
2 hours ago
- The Journal
Ireland signs deal with French company for sonar to detect submarines and monitor undersea cables
IRELAND HAS SIGNED a multi-million euro deal with French company Thales DMS for sonar for the Irish Naval Service which will be able to detect submerged submarines and help to protect subsea cables. The Tánaiste Simon Harris, who is Minister for Defence, signed the deal in recent days for what will be a towed sonar array. This will be a device which is dragged behind naval ships and monitors what is below the surface. The Department of Defence has said the sonar, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used for 'monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security'. It is anticipated that it will be operational in 2027. The announcement comes just days after the public consultation for a Maritime Security Strategy was launched . Harris said that the state-of-the-art sonar system will be key to monitoring activities around subsea internet and electricity interconnector cables as well as gas pipelines. 'This significant investment in sonar capability will provide the Naval Service with a state-of-the-art sonar system, which will enable them to build a picture of our subsea, thus contributing to the important task of protecting our critical underwater infrastructure. 'This is one of many strands of work being progressed to address the threats in our maritime domain. It will serve as an important first step in creating a 'pattern of life' in the subsea domain, with future projects further enhancing this capability,' he said. The Tánaiste said that it is part of the programme for Government commitment on the protection of critical undersea infrastructure and also a realisation of recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces report to enable the Irish military to monitor under the waves. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, also welcomed the signing of the deal. 'This capability will greatly enhance the Defence Forces' situational awareness across domains and is a welcome advancement in the continued development and transformation of the Óglaigh na hÉireann,' he said. Advertisement Tánaiste and Defence Simon Harris. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo It is understood that the information gathered by sonar project will feed into a European wide strategic information picture. The Irish use of the data will also be used to detect illegal fishing, drug trafficking as well as espionage and terrorist activities. It has not been revealed what the exact type of sonar will be but sources have referenced the CAPTAS range offered by Thales . In February last year the French company supplied its top of the range system CAPTAS-4 to the US Navy. This system is on many naval ships across the world including British, French, Italian, Spanish and Chilean navies. Sources believe the most likely equipment for the Irish Naval Service will be the CAPTAS-1 system which is for use by smaller patrol ships. It is understood work is continuing of the procurement and assessment of companies for the proposed primary radar to monitor the air and sea around Ireland as well as a major project to equip Ireland with new armoured personnel carriers. The Department of Defence is taking the lead in the coordination and development of Ireland's first National Maritime Security Strategy; The Naval Service are observers on an EU co-operation PESCO project on Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection. The Government also recently approved the Defence Forces' participation in the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). This is an EU initiative which enables structured and secure information-sharing among EU maritime authorities, both civil and military, allowing for more effective operations at sea amid new and evolving maritime threats. Recently the Department of Defence worked with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and energy operators to stress test critical infrastructure in the energy sector in Ireland against man-made threats. The results of these tests have been shared with the European Commission, as part of a cross-EU process. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
