Vote for Joe? - Labour Party has discussed Duffy Presidential run
The Labour Party has discussed the possibility of a Joe Duffy presidential campaign, we can reveal.
A source this weekend said approaches have been made to staff up a potential campaign, if Duffy were to agree to be a left-wing candidate.
The source told Extra.ie; 'The Labour Party is looking to get people at a top level to help with the campaign.'
It is not clear if the party was doing this before or after making an approach to the departing Liveline host. Joe Duffy presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda
The Labour Party did not respond to requests for comment yesterday. However, senior Fianna Fáil figures said Duffy could be the party's 'great escape' if he ran for the Áras on its ticket.
Although Duffy appeared to rule out a Presidential run when pressed on the matter on Friday, political watchers noted Duffy was not unequivocal in his response.
And party sources claimed Fianna Fáil – which has yet to confirm a candidate ahead of the election – would also welcome Duffy with open arms. Joe Duffy presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda
One said: 'It could fall perfectly for us. We'll save half a million quid and by the time the next election comes around [Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader] Micheál Martin will be a young 72 and probably be contemplating retirement from the Oireachtas.'
Duffy was somewhat coy when asked about a potential presidential run on Friday.
He told RTÉ he had not been approached but added: 'I was president of Trinity Students' Union; I still have the posters. But my face has changed a lot. Maybe my intellect isn't as strong as it used to be.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Two more names surface for presidency bids as Mary Hanafin confirms intent to run
LAST UPDATE | 30 mins ago AS THE PRESIDENTIAL election draws nearer, more people are emerging from the woodwork to cautiously raise their hand – or in other cases, wave it furiously – for consideration for the job. Yesterday it was reported that former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin was 'in the mix' for the party nomination. Appearing on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Hanafin doubled down on her intention to snag the Fianna Fáil nomination for the office. She told Brendan O'Connor, 'Yes, I'd love the opportunity. I'd love the opportunity to be a Fianna Fáil candidate, and I'd love to bring my experience in public service, law into the job of president, which is the most important job in the country.' Hanafin said that ultimately it seemed that the decision would lie with party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whom she has had discussions with on the topic. She noted that Peter Power, another former minister from the party who now heads Unicef Ireland, is reportedly in talks with Fianna Fáil leadership about the possibility of contesting the presidential election, according to the Irish Independent . Advertisement Power, aged 59, was a TD for the party for Limerick East up until the financial crash. He then began as the head of Unicef Ireland in 2012 and has remained there since. He is a qualified solicitor. Hanafin stressed her record of public service and said that she strongly believes that Fianna Fáil should contest the presidency. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless this afternoon refused to be drawn on his opinions on his party's options for presidential nominations, but said that he thought there would be a candidate established throughout the summer. Outside of Fianna Fáil, Independent senator and founder of homeless and addiction charity Tiglin, Aubrey McCarthy, told Virgin Media News that the presidency was 'something to consider'. NEW – Independent senator and Tiglin founder Aubrey McCarthy tells @virginmedianews : "If there was a conversation to be had regarding… a social inclusion candidate, where housing, second chances are part of the norm… certainly I would love the opportunity" to run for #aras25 — Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 28, 2025 McCarthy said that he would 'love the opportunity' to run as a social inclusion candidate where 'housing, where second chances are part of the norm'. Related Reads Why are so few candidates dipping their toe in the water in the race for the Áras? He added that he was focused on his role in the Seanad, where he sits on the housing committee. McCarthy was first elected to the Seanad this year in the Dublin University constituency. The Co Kildare man has been heavily involved with projects combatting homelessness and addiction, as well as rehabilitation for those who are affected by either issue. The presidential election must take place by 11 November at the latest. 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
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Junior housing minister says homelessness crisis 'a really difficult challenge to tackle'
IRELAND'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS is a 'really difficult challenge to tackle', junior housing minister Christopher O'Sullivan has said. A total of 15,747 people were living in emergency accommodation in May, according to figures published on Friday . It is the highest-ever figure recorded in Ireland, a continuing trend over the last number of months. It also includes 4,844 children – 69 more than April. Speaking on the issue today during RTÉ television's The Week In Politics, O'Sullivan conceded that the figures are currently unacceptable. He said the government is 'acutely aware' of the housing crisis and the impact it is having on homelessness. The Fianna Fáil TD said: 'Obviously, we're particularly struck by the words of the Children's ombudsman, essentially highlighting the devastating impact that emergency accommodation and homelessness in general is having on children and the long term impacts. Advertisement 'This is a really, really difficult challenge to tackle. That's been proven over the last number of years, and we have thrown the kitchen sink (at) it, but I will say this, there's no doubt that it's a priority for Taoiseach, it's a priority for this government.' Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon told the same programme that there is too much reliance on private accommodation and the use of hotels to house those who are living in emergency housing. Gannon said that environment has long-term impacts on children, citing issues with speech and language, an inability to play with other children and mobility issues. He added that the state needs to zone land as affordable. He said: 'We need to have the state getting back and building in a massive, significant way. We also need to take a step back and understand the impact that these living provisions are having to children in this state.' Children's ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon said that Government's housing initiatives continuously fail children. The comments were echoed by homelessness charity leaders on Friday, following the publication of the latest emergency accommodation figures. Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane pointed to the thousands of empty council homes in need of renovation. She said there needs to be a renewed effort to improve the properties to house families. 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
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
Stars turn out for Joe Duffy's last show as he finally calls time on Liveline
Broadcasting legend Joe hosted going-away drinks in Dublin city centre pub The Duke on Friday night after officially signing off as Liveline host Ryan Tubridy arrived at The Duke with his new fiancée Dr Clare Kambamettu Ronan Collins believes his pal Joe Duffy did the right thing retiring from his Liveline show before he reached the age of 70 – and reveals he gave him lots of advice before he make his decision. Broadcasting legend Joe hosted going-away drinks in Dublin city centre pub The Duke on Friday night after officially signing off as Liveline host. Ryan Tubridy chose the retirement party to make his first public appearance with his new fiancée Dr Clare Kambamettu since the announcement of their engagement. A beaming Ryan called over photographers to where the couple were and said with a smile 'I presume you want a picture of the ring?!'. Sadhbh Byrne with her mum, Suzy Byrne and Mike Murphy Clare proudly showed off her sparkler, with the couple being congratulated by well-wishers. Speaking to the Sunday World, Joe's close pal Ronan says they spoke recently about life after RTÉ. Just over two-and-a-half years ago in December 2022 Ronan (72) caused shockwaves when he gave up his weekday noon slot on RTÉ Radio One. At its peak, 250,000 listeners tuned into the Ronan Collins Show. The father of three now presents a regular music show, The Collins Collection, on bank holidays and also programmes for RTÉ Gold. The one-time showband drummer decided to pack in his Radio One show having just turned 70 and being with RTÉ since 1979, replaced by former Today FM presenter Louise Duffy. 'He used to come into me every day at half 12 to do his little promo, and we had long chats about things,' Ronan tells the Sunday World. 'It was always his complete dedication that got him through. It was extraordinary how dedicated he was. 'I would have said to him even before he made the announcement, 'Joe there will come a time when this will come into your head, when it's put in your head by your family or elsewhere.' Aonghus McAnally and Brush Shields at Joe's party 'You need to get it into your head yourself, the time to finish, and stick with that'. I said 'you will find the release to be quite extraordinary and you will be able to enjoy your last weeks or months'.' Ronan believes Joe (69) has made the right decision to quit after hosting Liveline for nearly 27 years.. 'I just think it was great for him. I saw him on the Six One News today (on Friday), which even though I'm away we watched, and I just thought he looked so relaxed and calm and very happy in where he is today. That's the important thing. He owes RTÉ nothing,' he says. 'I'm away in Portugal so I didn't hear his last show, but I have spoken with Joe recently. 'I'm delighted for him that he's finished, because having experience, when you reach that age, it becomes quite a burden and it becomes very difficult to give up, so it was a very big decision and the right decision, I think, for him.' While Ronan was not able to make Joe's going-away party, some of RTÉ's biggest former and current stars turned out to say farewell on Friday. Among those at the party were Miriam O'Callaghan, Aonghus McAnally, Brush Shields, Syl Fox, John McColgan, Mike Murphy, Health Minister Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeil, Gay Byrne's daughter Suzy and daughter Sadhbh, and Charlie Bird's widow Claire Mould. Joe was earlier in the day joined by his going-away show by his wife June and their triplet children, who are now aged 30. A number of high-profile presenters, including Katie Hannon, have been tipped to take over from Joe; however, Ronan says he believes Joe is irreplaceable. 'I mean he's going to be very hard to replace. To get somebody who's going to mould themselves into Liveline, it's going to be a tough gig because it was Joe who made it what it was. Ryan Tubridy arrived at The Duke with his new fiancée Dr Clare Kambamettu 'He put him own stamp on it (replacing Marian Finucane). I hope whoever goes in for the long term is allowed to put their own identification on it. 'He was just extraordinary the way he stuck at it for so long through thick and thin, and he and I used to have long chats.' He points out that even though Joe was on air for just an hour and 15 minutes with his show, it took up so much more of his time. 'I was out socially with Joe on a number of occasions through the years and it showed Joe's Liveline life wasn't just an hour day, it was every waking hour of the day because people were extraordinary how they came to him and he never turned him away,' he notes. Miriam O'Callaghan with Joe Duffy at Joe's party News in 90 Seconds - June 29th 'It was easy for me, I was in showbusiness, but Joe's various social stuff, that he always tried to keep at social and human stuff, and didn't allow it to be political. It was a great gift that he had.' He says that many will miss him on the radio, but argues Joe had to think of his own future. 'I think the relief showed on Joe's face today, that he has given his all and now it's time to give the same attention to his own life now, to his wife June and his kids, and do the things he wants to do now,' he adds. 'Of course, he'll find out like everybody who retirees, that there's not enough hours in the day to do all the things that you wanted to do.' Ronan has not looked back on his own departure. 'It was the second-best decision in my life,' he reflects. 'The best one was agreeing to do the job in the first place in 1979, and the next best decision was agreeing to stop, or deciding to stop. 'It was just the right time for me, two-and-a-half years ago and I believe it's the right time for Joe now, before he hits 70.'
