Presidency bid, new Eurovision plans with twist and why I won't leave RTE… Dustin the Turkey spills all

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

FROM becoming Ireland's next President to taking over Joe Duffy's Liveline job, Dustin the Turkey is no chicken as he has revealed his ambitious plans for total domination.
The beloved Irish puppet has been a TV legend for over three decades - and believes he deserves the top jobs "after all I've given Ireland".
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Dustin the Turkey has revealed his plans to become President of Ireland
Credit: Free for editorial use
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The TV legend recently joined Chadwicks celebrations with Irish boxer Jack Marley
Credit: PR handout
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And he shared that he could take over Liveline and join Eurovision again while in Áras an Uachtaráin
Despite being a puppet, Dustin has achieved a status only few in Irish entertainment can claim - becoming an iconic media personality known by generations.
His career began in 1989 on the popular show The Den, and he went on to become, in his own words, the longest-serving turkey on RTE.
The plucky personality told the Irish Sun: 'It's one of them where it's a pleasure to have entertained two generations, three generations growing up in Ireland - teaching them all of the building tricks that I have.
'It's all about giving a bit of humour and a bit of confidence, along with those two British lads who sold us out in Ireland - Zig and Zag but we won't mention them.
'They went off to Channel 4 and took the queen's shilling, leaving me on my own.
'But I stick to the people, I have more Wolfe Tone CDs than the Wolfe Tones - when they mention people like James Connolly and Padraig Pierce they'll mention Dustin Gertrude Hoffman Beethoven the third.'
Being one of Ireland's most controversial satirical voices, Dustin has never been shy about taking the mick out of public figures like Bertie Ahern,
And he said he makes sure to treat everyone fair in his remarks, as someone has to do it.
Dustin, who is voiced by John Morrison, quipped: 'Now I won't mention Cat Deeley and I won't mention Patrick Kielty - but you have to be fair, I love all people.
'When you come on to The Den or if you come on to the radio with Dustin it's all just friendly fun.
'There's a couple of things we say like Ryan Tubridy who we call Mr Bean, or Alan Partridge or Pat Kenny who is like a plank of wood - but they're all true things.'
'POULTRY PARTY'
And Dustin revealed there is still life in the old bird yet.
The TV legend admitted that he might throw his wing into the ring again for the Irish
During the 2010 Irish general election, he famously campaigned under the banner of the Poultry Party, advocating for policies like Bringing the Olympics to Termonfeckin.
But this time, he said his presidential campaign promises would include learning the Irish language, bringing comedy to Áras an Uachtaráin and representing not just Ireland but also turkeys on a national level.
Dustin said: 'I think it's a given; I know
'He does his Irish poems and I'm going to learn Irish for when I'm in Áras an Uachtaráin.
"So when people come over from Azerbaijan and Columbia I'll be able to greet them as Gaelige.
'Áras an Uachtaráin is something I would certainly have my eyes on; I think I deserve it at this stage, after all I've given Ireland.'
He also revealed ambitions to return to Eurovision, confident that he still has what it takes to entertain
'BEAUTIFUL VOICE'
Dustin famously represented Ireland in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Irelande Douze Pointe, an entry that remains both memorable and controversial.
And he said it's only a matter of time before RTE ask him to compete for Ireland again.
The top turkey said: 'Now Dana went for president and she did the Eurovision, but the difference is she can't sing and she's not the president.
'Now I've got a beautiful voice, I think I could be the president and a Eurovision star at the same time.
'But I wouldn't represent Ireland next time; I would represent Turkey.
'You don't have to win it, I don't think anyone in Ireland will be winning in for a long long time - unless we can dig up Johnny Logan and let him go again, I don't think we have a good chance at winning it.'
'VERY SIMPLE JOB'
What's more, Dustin said he may even take over
And although he said Joe did it well, Dustin thinks he could do it even better.
He added: 'It would just be brilliant, it's only a matter of time again. It's a very simple job; I'd love it, 'Go ahead caller, go ahead caller'.
'I'd be president, represent Eurovision and Liveline - considering Joe ruled himself out for presidency it has left the door open for me.
'I've survived a lot of Christmases at this stage, there's a lot of turkeys at RTE that have survived them too - so I'll be sticking around and won't be going anywhere.'
Dustin spoke his mind as he joined celebrations at the newly refurbished Chadwicks store in Sallynoggin,
And he said with his past as a builder on RTE's The Den, there was no better man for this role too.
Speaking to the Irish Sun, Dustin said: 'I'm a builder, I just want to get in and get out - but I'm telling you it's the dog's b***ocks.
'It's just absolutely amazing, I've had three cups of coffee so I'm buzzing - and for a turkey let me tell you that is very dangerous.
'I've also had two pasties that were absolutely delicious - I went in and bought a hammer, a saw and a gazebo and I don't even need to use any of them.
'Sallynoggin is a place that's in my heart; I love it more than even the Long Mile Road.'
First opened in 1974, the Chadwick's branch now features a sleek doors & floors showroom, a revamped bathroom showroom, and a Paint Centre, along with a new smart home centre packed with the latest automation and security tech.
Other new features include VELUX and Keylite rooflight displays, a full Brick and External Wall Insulation showcase and a Brick & Brew Co. coffee outlet.
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Dustin revealed that he has his eyes on Áras an Uachtaráin next
Credit: Alamy
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And he wants Joe Duffy's job - there's no turkey bones about it
Credit: Andres Poveda LTD