Kathryn Thomas says Liveline gig is "an amazing opportunity"

Irish Daily Mirror

13-07-2025

TV and radio star Kathryn Thomas has said the new Liveline host shouldn't be 'afraid to stir the pot'.
RTE bosses are trialling presenters to take over the RTE Radio 1 show after Joe Duffy retired after 37 years at the station and 27 at the helm of Liveline.
But the Q102 breakfast presenter, 46, thinks while age shouldn't be a factor in the new host, they should have enough experience and should be able to stir the pot when it comes to national debate.
She told us: 'I think it's an incredible opportunity for anyone who gets to sit in that seat that Joe has manned immaculately and amazingly for the last number of years.
'They are huge shoes to fill and whoever goes in there needs to bring their own personality.
'You know people wanted to talk to Joe and now whoever goes in there is going to want to build a connection with the audience. It is going to take time as well.
'I do think it is an amazing opportunity. It's the line to Joe Public.
'I don't think age comes into it. Like you definitely need experience on the mic especially when you are dealing with live calls. I mean that is what the production team are there for as well, but you do need experience in terms of manning those calls from a legal perspective as well.'
But the Carlow star said the new presenter needs to be a great communicator.
She added: 'But also, it is connection and communication. You have to be a great communicator. You can be a great communicator at 30 or 40 or you can be a great communicator at 70 or 80.
'I really think it boils down to the right person behind the mic who will connect with the audience and trust, empathy and communication.
'That is what people loved about Joe and he was always on their side so it is about that person who has that connection and likability as well. And is not afraid to stir the pot.'
Five hosts are taking over the lunchtime slot temporarily until the show announces its permanent host in August.
Philip Boucher-Hayes proved to be a hit with audiences when he took over the reins for two weeks.
Meanwhile, Kathryn will return to our RTE screens in August for the Rose of Tralee with co-host Daithi O Se. The pair are set to host the Kerry festival on August 18 and 19.
It will be a family affair for Kathryn as she is set to present in front of her mum and her husband Padraig, who will be in the audience. She added: 'He's never been and my mam has never been because she's always left minding children so we're giving her a night out so she'll be there on the Tuesday.
'She's from Kerry, born in Kenmare, she left and is now back living there now. The Rose of Tralee would be a big one for her so I'm looking forward to having her there.'
Reflecting on her career, the mum-of-two says her mother knew she wasn't 'daft' for dropping out of college, where she was studying accountancy, when she landed the role of main presenter of No Frontiers.
Kathryn added: 'I think back in the day it was definitely doing No Frontiers because I dropped out of college and they were up and arms at what I did.
'I kept saying that I could go back after a year and I'll go and become an accountant, which I was never going to become but I'll go and do something with a piece of paper.
'But then when the show took off the way it did and it became the show that it became and I was made the lead presenter, I think mam realised I wasn't as they all thought I was.
'And the fact that I'm still working in what I said was only going to be a temporary job 25 years later.'
Kathyrn was speaking at the launch of Uisce Eireann's national appeal which is encouraging the public to protect supplies by adopting simple water-saving practices at home, in the garden, and at work. The aim is to remind the public saving water doesn't have to be difficult. It says by making small adjustments, we can contribute to managing it more efficiently.
Kathryn added: 'It is important that we all consider our water usage habits not just during the summer months but all year round. Simple changes can have a real impact and collectively we can all help maintain our water resources.
'Ellie, my seven-year-old, like in the last year or two… they're really teaching kids in school about water conservation, and she'll say things like 'mam turn off the tap' if I'm brushing my teeth. Any water that's running, she is much more aware of it than I would've been at that age.'