While Joe Duffy wrapped up his final show this afternoon, this morning he faced questions about a potential career change after Liveline on RT脡鈥檚 Morning Ireland.
With a Presidential election expected to take place by the end of this year as President Higgins’ term reaches a close, Joe was asked if a run for the 脕ras was on the cards by Morning Ireland presenters.
He quickly took himself out of the running with a witty retort.
鈥淚 can see the 脕ras from Claddagh Green. I鈥檇 say that鈥檚 the closest I鈥檒l ever get to it,鈥 he cheekily responded, with Claddagh Green being the name of the road Duffy grew up on in Ballyfermot in south Dublin.
Despite his denial of any potential candidacy, he was further pressed to address the speculation and asked if the rumours are circulating on the basis of an existing firm offer.
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He responded jokingly yet again, saying: 鈥淚鈥檓 still part of RT脡 until Monday effectively and so I will not lose the run of myself.鈥
鈥淭here鈥檚 some great, great names been mentioned so far.鈥
Duffy shared that he has plans to continue working on a new book about corporal punishment in Ireland. The topic was often discussed on Liveline throughout his 37-year tenure on the show.
Though he neglected to fully confirm or deny whether a Presidential bid is on the table, it would not be all that surprising if he was announced as a candidate, given that he has a rich past in politics, state services and activism.
Born in Mountjoy Square and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy was one of the first people from the area to attend Trinity College.
He studied social work and was involved with the college’s student council, eventually becoming president of the Union of Students in Ireland at age 23.
During that time he led student calls for government investment in education and access to education for all. His involvement in activism subsequently led to his arrest and a short spell in Mountjoy Prison during protests over access to education.
He then worked with the probation services after college. In 1979 he appeared on the programme ‘Sunday No More’ presented by Andy O’Mahony. The episode of the RT脡 Religious programme took a look at the current state of religious education in our schools.
He joined RT脡 in 1989 as a researcher, and from there went on to work as a reporter on The Gay Byrne Show, where he was well-revered.
Duffy went on to host Soundbyte and Liveline Callback , and later fronted the acclaimed television series The Meaning of Life.
He received acclaim throughout the years for his writing, including his autobiography Just Joe and the award-winning history books Children of the Rising and Children of the Troubles, which he wrote with with Freya McClements.
Although he hasn’t been directly involved in politics since his student years, Joe Duffy has always made sure that Liveline was a place where the vulnerable could have their voices heard and where government failings could be discussed.
As Joe was joined live in studio by many friends, fans and colleagues for his final show today, Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke of his history of activism and politics, describing him as “the voice of the people”.
“I think you never left your roots. Your working-class background stood to you. The values that your parents and family gave to you, I think, were the reason why you were unique.
“You had a unique capacity to mediate between the people and authority and allow them to tell their stories.
He acknowledged that Duffy had mentored him in his own early career, saying “you taught me a few things when I was a student activist.”
Witty as ever, Duffy quickly retorted: “You forgot them quick enough, Mick!”