RTÉ Late Late viewers clash over guest interview after historic appearance

Is a united Ireland within 'touching distance'?

The question from the latest episode of RTÉ's Late Late show has sparked reaction online, both positive and negative among social media users. 

Late Late show host Patrick Kielty interviewed guest and First Minister of Northern Ireland and Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán (Vice President, Michelle O'Neill, this Friday night. 

The notion of a united Ireland was one topic to crop up, with mixed reactions pouring in online. According to Ms O'Neill, unity might be struck between Northern Ireland and the Republic within the next 10 years. 

"We are in a decade of opportunity, a decade of change," she said. 

"The prudent thing to do now is to plan. We should be planning for what does that [unity] look like and we should be having the conversation, a mature conversation, to what constitutional change looks like for us all."

Michelle O'Neill tells Patrick Kielty "We are in a decade of opportunity" and we could see a united Ireland within 10 years. #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/GcRIF9gVtS

— Fintan McCarthy (@MccarthyFintan) February 17, 2024

Some users were angered by the interview, while others praised the First Minister. One person said: "The Late Late show can't stoop much lower having Michelle on it? She doesn't represent the decent women of Ireland."

Another simply wrote "Garbage", with someone else stating their opinion as: "Full of waffle. All talk while committing to nothing."

Despite criticism, others commented: "Quite extraordinary" and "Fantastic interview", while another said: "Brilliant interview. Well done Michelle and great questions from Patrick". 

Watch the full interview back on X below via Youtube: 

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill joins Patrick Kielty on The Late Late Show. A new beginning. https://t.co/NALlJiWf5f via @YouTube

— LaylaTango (@LaylaTango) February 17, 2024