Áine Lawlor bids farewell to RTÉ after more than 40 years

After more than four decades at the forefront of Irish broadcasting, Áine Lawlor is hosting her final edition of 'The Week in Politics,' marking the end of a distinguished career at RTÉ.

“

As she walks out of Studio Three after presenting her last The Week in Politics today, Áine Lawlor can be justifiably proud of her decades long career at the top of Irish journalism.

Lawlor joined RTÉ in 1984, quickly becoming a household name. She brought her sharp intellect and meticulous preparation to 'Morning Ireland,' RTÉ's flagship morning news program, from 1995. Her interviews often informed the public thoroughly, though some guests may have found her questioning challenging.

Beyond news programs, Lawlor narrated the groundbreaking 'States of Fear' documentary series. In 2011, she took a break from 'Morning Ireland' after a breast cancer diagnosis, later sharing her treatment and recovery journey in a documentary titled 'Facing Cancer.'

“

Over 42 years she has served Irish audiences of radio and television in many guises.

She returned to present the 'News at One' radio program in 2013 and continued with 'The Week in Politics' until her retirement. Her tenure on 'TWIP' featured memorable broadcasts and interviews, including a critical questioning of a presidential candidate regarding property interests, which was widely viewed and influenced the candidate's subsequent withdrawal from the election race.

“

Throughout her many years on the programme her sharp intellect and legendary preparedness ensured the listening public were always well informed, even if some interviewees might have been discomforted from time to time.

Colleagues remember Lawlor not just for her professional acumen but also for her humor, erudition, and supportive nature. Her versatility was evident in her comfort across various settings, from agricultural events like the Ploughing Championships to presenting 'Bloom Live.'

“

Her close questioning of the Fianna Fail candidate in the 2025 presidential election over property interests was compulsive viewing, and central to the decision later that Sunday by Jim Gavin to withdraw from the election race.