Anna Daly Emerges as Strong Contender for Liveline Host Role

Anna Daly has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Joe Duffy as the host of Liveline, a popular phone-in show on RTÉ Radio One. The television and radio presenter publicly confirmed her application for the role, indicating her ambition to take on this significant position in Irish broadcasting.

Daly’s recent appearances as a summer stand-in for hosts such as Anton Savage and Andrea Gilligan on Newstalk have garnered her positive attention. Her transition from Virgin Media to RTÉ has been marked by her successful hosting of programs like Hospital Live, showcasing her versatility and experience in live broadcasting.

Competitive Landscape for Liveline

In a statement about the competition for the position, Daly acknowledged, “I’d imagine there’s stiff competition but I’ve a lot of live TV and now radio experience, so why not?” She mentioned that her interest in the role has been communicated through her agent, and she anticipates a broad search for potential candidates.

Current betting odds from Ladbrokes place Daly at 2/1 to secure the position. A spokesperson noted, “It’s hard to believe we are still waiting to hear who will replace Joe Duffy on Liveline. However, Anna has officially put her name in for the hottest job on radio.”

Despite Daly’s strong candidacy, Katie Hannon remains a top choice among bookmakers. Other notable figures mentioned as potential successors include Sarah McInerney and Philip Boucher-Hayes.

Daly expressed her respect for Duffy, stating, “There will never be another Joe. I’ve listened to him for years and I think he is a genius in terms of how he’ll get so much more out of the guests than you would ever anticipate at the start.”

Looking Ahead

As the search for Duffy’s successor continues, Daly believes that the new host will need to bring their unique style to the show. “I think he’s just brilliant, so the new person, whoever takes over, will [have to] put their stamp on it and it will be a new era,” she remarked.

The anticipation around the appointment reflects the significant role that Liveline plays in Irish media, and the attention on potential candidates suggests a keen interest from both the public and industry insiders. As the decision approaches, listeners will undoubtedly be eager to see who will take the reins of this influential program.