Latest news with #ex-Taoiseach
Dublin Live
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
RTE Late Late Show viewers fume over first guest
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Patrick Kielty, settling into his Late Late Show presenting gig, saw a bit of a viewer drop-off last Friday when one guest had audiences scrambling for the remote. The show's fans were left unimpressed with Simon Harris' segment despite a diverse line-up that included an ex-Taoiseach, a brand-new pop duo from boyband royalty, and a group of country music icons, Galway Beo reported. Viewers weren't expecting much more than polished answers from Harris and they took to social media to express their boredom. "Simon is being really clear on a lot of issues tonight... yawn", moaned one unenthused watcher. Another viewer was distinctly underwhelmed by Harris' stint on the Late Late Show, remarking: "The attempt at media rehabilitation continues for Tweedledee Simon Harris". The Tánaiste hit the studio to chat about some serious political business – from Ireland's neutral stance and defence strategies to looming trade war fears – but Patrick zeroed in on housing right off the bat. Patrick snagged some praise for grilling the Minister diving straight into the deep end with the nation's housing crisis: "I'm glad that the first question Patrick Kielty asked was about housing and very good follow-up questions. It's an absolutely awful situation and the most urgent." He also reminisced about his tenure as Taoiseach, securing his spot in history as the youngest ever leader of the Irish state. On the 15th anniversary of her father Gerry Ryan's death, 2FM presenter Lottie Ryan joined Patrick for a heartfelt chat about her dad's life and legacy. (Image: Pier Marco Tacca, Getty Images) In her first detailed TV interview about her father, Lottie openly discussed losing him at just 23 years old, shared treasured memories of their close bond, and reflected on what it means to carry on his broadcasting legacy. Pop icons Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, better known as Boyzlife, also popped in for chat with Patrick about their remarkable careers and the journey that brought them together on stage. They looked back on their time in two of the world's most successful boybands, Boyzone and Westlife, their experiences being managed by Louis Walsh, and navigating the music industry in their early twenties. As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Late Late Show honoured this iconic institution with a special performance from three of Ireland's rising country stars - Claudia Buckley, David James and Gerry Guthrie - who performed a timeless country classic. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Irish Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
RTE Late Late Show viewers furious over first guest's appearance on the show
Settling nicely into his Late Late Show presenting role, Patrick Kielty experienced a bit of a viewer drop-off on Friday when one guest had audiences reaching for the remote. Fans were unimpressed with Simon Harris's appearance despite a diverse line-up featuring the ex-Taoiseach, a freshly minted pop duo from boyband elite, and a posse of country music legends. Viewers expected nothing less than manicured responses from Harris and voiced their boredom online: "Simon is being really clear on a lot of issues tonight... yawn", commented one dissatisfied viewer. Another viewer was distinctly underwhelmed by Harris' Late Late Show stint, saying: "The attempt at media rehabilitation continues for Tweedledee Simon Harris". The Tánaiste graced the studio to discuss pressing political issues—from Ireland's stance on neutrality, its defence game plan, to an incoming trade war scare—yet Patrick cut right to the chase with housing. Patrick earned accolades for pushing the Minister with more force than expected from a well-known comedian, immediately hitting hard on the nation's housing crisis: "I'm glad that the first question Patrick Kielty asked was about housing and very good follow up questions. It's an absolutely awful situation and the most urgent," reports Galway Beo. He further reflected on his time as Taoiseach, carving out his place in the annals as the youngest ever Irish state leader. Meanwhile, on the 15th anniversary of her father Gerry Ryan's passing, 2FM presenter Lottie Ryan joined Patrick for a heartfelt discussion about her dad's life and legacy. In her first in-depth television interview about her father, Lottie candidly spoke about losing him at just 23 years old, shared cherished memories of their close relationship, and reflected on what it means to continue his broadcasting legacy. Pop sensations Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, better known as Boyzlife, also dropped by for a chat with Patrick about their extraordinary careers and the journey that brought them together on stage. They reminisced about their time in two of the globe's most successful boybands, Boyzone and Westlife, their experiences being managed by Louis Walsh, and navigating the music industry in their early twenties. As the Grand Ole Opry marks its centenary, the Late Late Show paid tribute to this iconic institution with a special performance from three of Ireland's up-and-coming country stars - Claudia Buckley, David James and Gerry Guthrie - who delivered a timeless country classic.
