Joe Duffy: Taoiseach leads tributes as RTE legend announces retirement
Tributes have poured in for Joe Duffy after he announced his retirement from RTE today. Duffy, who has presented on RTE Radio One for 37 years, will be stepping down from Liveline in June. He will present his final episode on Friday, June 27. And a number of tributes have been paid to the Ballyfermot man following the announcement. Taoiseach Micheal Martin praised Duffy's "warm and generous personality". He said: "Wishing Joe Duffy the very best as he steps back from RTE after 37 years - and 27 years as the host of Liveline. "Joe was a constant in our lives, with a warm and generous personality. So many were helped by 'Talking to Joe'. An essential part of the national conversation." Labour’s Arts and Media spokesperson Rob O’Donoghue TD said: "Joe Duffy’s voice has been a mainstay in Irish homes for decades, and his decision to step away from broadcasting marks the end of an era. "For many years, Joe provided a vital platform for stories that too often went unheard. He had the rare ability to turn the microphone toward those on the margins, to shine a light on the realities facing ordinary people across the country. "Joe addressed many complex and often stigmatised issues. His work around HRT and menopause opened up a much-needed national conversation on women’s health. "He also brought history alive for a new generation. His moving broadcasts and publications highlighting the stories of children of the 1916 Rising provided a powerful and humanising account of our past. I wish Joe Duffy the very best in his well-earned retirement." RTE's Director General Kevin Bakhurst said: “Whether breaking stories like the first powerful moments of the 9-11 attacks in the US, or helping the nation navigate the often heart-breaking challenges of a global pandemic, Joe Duffy’s Liveline doesn’t just have its fingers on the pulse, it is the pulse of the nation. Joe navigated controversies, unearthed scandals, exposed scams, fought misinformation and shone a light on topics long ignored, from historical abuse to the menopause and healthcare reform. "Joe was always the guide, never the story. His journalistic insights were perfectly in balance with his human instincts, and Liveline under Joe became both a sanctuary for those seeking justice, and a public square of which Joe was in full control." 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. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
