A talking turkey, a poetic president and two national treasures - But who is going to fill Joe Duffy's shoes?

Extra.ie​

6 hours ago

As the race to replace Joe Duffy as presenter of RTE Radio 1's flagship show heats up, we take a look at some unlikely contenders who could have what it takes to take the show into uncharted waters.
Comedian and serial Liveline caller Brendan O'Carroll is without doubt the radio show's most prolific caller looking to talk to Joe.
In fact, funnyman Brendan has been on Liveline so often he must have shed a river of tears when his 'phone buddy' Joe announced that he was hanging up the mic. Brendan O'Carroll
And while Finglas man Brendan O'Carroll does indeed have millions in the bank from his show Mrs Brown's Boys, his international mobile bill must have been off the charts as he frequently called to Talk to Joe from his base in Florida.
As far back as 2015, Brendan was on the Liveline telling Joe how he had helped an Irishman who had been stranded in O'Carroll's adopted home in the sunshine state of Florida.
Duffy listened in awe as O'Carroll spent an inordinate amount of international call minutes recounting his heroic deed of saving said stranded Irish fella, with Joe giving a clap on the back down the Liveline. Joe Duffy presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda
And it's not just Brendan O'Carroll's tales of heroism. He has called in to talk to Joe about his ma, his da, his granda, his son, his daughter and of course himself.
So given O'Carroll has Liveline on speed dial, it makes sense that he could take over as host in the heartbeat. Dustin the Turkey performing at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest semi-final. Pic: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images
The one, and very likely, the world's only poultry presenter Dustin the Turkey is in a league of his own.
The all-talking, singing, and very often insulting talking Turkey could take Liveline in a totally new direction. For all the 'moaning minnies' who, with an abundance of regularity, flood the Liveline with tales of woe, a good dose of Dustin's home truths could be in order.
In fact, 'go and get stuffed' has quite the ring to it. And for the many heroic tales that invariably pitter down the phone, and out into the ether, we think Dustin's most famous quote 'go on ya good thing' is about as inspirational a quote as any. President Michael D Higgins. Pic:With Joe Duffy mooted for a run for Áras an Uachtaráin and Michael D Higgins soon to be leaving, the former President may just swap roles. Sabina Higgins (right). Pic:Forget 'fiver Friday', it's two-for-the-price-of-one with political pairing Michéal and Sabina Higgins. Sabina has, after all, been her husband's right-hand woman throughout his presidential reign and basically went to work with him every day for the past eight years.
And for the morally outraged, for whom a simple phone call isn't sufficient for their righteous indignation, a strongly worded follow-up letter from Sabina could add a new dimension to the show. Johnny Logan and Linda Martin at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1992. Pic: Sipa/REX/Shutterstock
Eurovision winners Johnny Logan and Linda Martin could be another potential radio pairing that will hit the right note. The dulcet tones of Eurovision star Johnny Logan gently teasing out the more hesitant callers with his iconic line 'Don't, don't close your heart to how you feel' will have callers spilling their guts.
And for the tearful sob story, Johnny's soothing tones down the phone softly saying 'Hold me now' is the stuff of radio gold.
And for the more irate callers, Linda Martin's Belfast brogue belting out 'Whyyyyyyyyy Me' will galvanise the nation into whatever action the caller is complaining about.
So with the nation no longer able to 'Talk to Joe' there are rich pickings of talent ready, willing, and more than able to answer the nation's call.