'Liveline's new host can't be afraid to stir it up'

Q102 breakfast presenter's advice to hopefuls

- BY SANDRA MALLON

TV and radio star Kathryn Thomas has said the new Liveline host shouldn't be “afraid to stir the pot”.

RTE bosses are trialing presenters to take over the RTE Radio 1 show after Joe Duffy retired after 37 years at the station and 27 at the helm of Liveline.

But the Q102 breakfast presenter, 46, thinks while age shouldn't be a factor in the new host, they should have enough experience and should be able to stir the pot when it comes to national debate.

She told us: "I think it’s an incredible opportunity for anyone who gets to sit in that seat that Joe has manned immaculately and amazingly for the last number of years.

"They are huge shoes to fill and whoever goes in there needs to bring their own personality.

"You know people wanted to talk to Joe and now whoever goes in there is going to want to build a connection with the audience. It is going to take time as well.

OPPORTUNITY

"I do think it is an amazing opportunity. It’s the line to Joe Public.

"I don't think age comes into it. Like you definitely need experience on the mic especially when you are dealing with live calls. I mean that is what the production team are there for as well, but you do need experience in terms of manning those calls from a legal perspective as well."

But the Carlow star said the new presenter needs to be a great communicator.