Miriam O'Callaghan denies Presidential approach

In an interview in our new issue (out today), the RTÉ broadcaster also confesses that she votes for a woman first every time, explains that she has never spent more than €29 for a handbag, turns down freebies and talks about how she explained the term MILF to her mother!

Regarding the Presidential race she says, “I have never been approached by any political party, including Fianna Fáil.” And she adds: “Obviously it’s such an extraordinary, prestigious role, but at this moment in my life it’s obviously not for me. Read my lips. I will not be running for President". However, she also reassures Hot Press that “there won’t be any scandal if I ever ran for the Presidency.”

She explains her voting policy in straightforward terms. “I go in and vote for the best woman”, she states and acknowledges to interviewer Olaf Tyaransen that such an approach is “unapologetically sexist”.

Referring to her views on consumerism and celebrity freebies she tells us, “I have never bought a handbag that cost more than €29… I don’t take freebies. I’ve never taken a car to drive or a dress to wear for the IFTAs, even though I get offered that every year. I’ve never taken jewellery.”
In the interview, O’Callaghan reveals that she told her mother that MILF meant, ‘Mother I’d Like to Facebook’.”

In relation to working as a woman in RTÉ, she says “It is a male bastion so I don’t want to go swanning around looking like I’m glamorous.”

In relation to David McWilliams remarks about her, she is lighthearted, revealing that McWilliams apologised to her. And she adds: “I don’t flirt with my guests. I’m actually not a flirt. I’ve never been a flirt.”

Read the interview in full, in the new issue of Hot Press (Arcade Fire cover) out now.