To whom it concerns...Limerick personalities have their say on Late Late host

RTÉ HAVE, this Saturday, announced that Patrick Kielty is to take over as host of The Late Late Show from next season. Patrick from Dundrum, County Down becomes the fourth presenter of the iconic show for its 61st season next September. But who do the people of Limerick think should take the hot seat?  

Limerick city Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea’s first choice was Miriam O’Callaghan but with the current affairs presenter ruling herself out of the running, he felt "your man, Kielty, will be as good as any!"

Of Miriam, Mr O’Dea said: “She is an outstanding broadcaster and she can adapt. She can do a serious conversation and a light-hearted topic. She’s very knowledgeable.”

Singer-songwriter Emma Langford felt well-known Mayo-born drag queen Panti Bliss would have been a good choice to take on the role.

"They are a fantastic, compassionate and attentive interviewer from my own experience. They also have a fantastic amount of insight into all industries. They’re creative, they’re fun and they can be serious when needs be and I just think they would be a fantastic fit," the Caherdavin woman pointed out.

Model agent and fashion icon Celia Holman Lee was hoping to see a woman at the helm of The Late Late.

“It would be marvellous if it was a woman. It's very, very tough work and a lot goes into it, that’s for sure, but I would love it to be a woman but the best of luck to the new host,” Celia said.

Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District of Limerick, Olivia O’Sullivan acknowledged “a lot of good people ruled themselves out”.

“I do think Patrick Kielty would be an interesting prospect. It is interesting that a lot of women ruled themselves out of the running and I do think that raises a few questions… If it’s for other reasons like wanting to stick to the other jobs they’re in, then that is fine, but if it’s for reasons about the intense level of scrutiny that The Late Late Show presenter comes under then that’s not good,” she added.

Patrick Kielty to host RTE’s The Late Late Show as Ryan Tubridy steps down

Former Limerick TD, Tom Neville believes Live 95 radio host Joe Nash was the man for the job.

“He can interview anybody from the political sphere… he can be very light-hearted as well so why not Joe Nash?!” he exclaimed.

Mayor of Limerick City and County Council Francis Foley didn’t have one single person in mind but had heard a lot about Patrick Kielty in the media.

“Well for one thing, it won’t be me!” Mayor Foley joked.

Limerick businesswoman and co-founder of Team Limerick Clean-up, Helen O’Donnell doesn’t know how popular her opinion would be.

“They have to change the format and maybe it has run its course,” Helen mentioned.

“I think in recent years [the show] has changed and there are so many other formats now to see and hear about what’s going on so I think a lot of change is needed to take place for it to succeed,” she added.