The Last Word with Matt Cooper Miriam O'Callaghan On Taking On Facebook
Nov 3, 2025
Miriam O'Callaghan, a veteran RTÉ broadcaster with over 30 years of experience, dives into her multifaceted life and career. She candidly discusses the challenges of balancing her role as a mother of eight while navigating the media landscape. The conversation highlights her battle against Facebook over fake ads featuring her likeness, and she shares insights into the impact of online anonymity on public figures. With reflections on her memoir and the relevance of RTÉ today, Miriam offers a compelling look into the intersection of media, family, and social responsibility.
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Refusing To Interview A Family Member
- Miriam refuses to interview her brother if he became Taoiseach to protect her career and objectivity.
- She frames this as a feminist red line against a man's career overriding a woman's hard-earned work.
Roots Shaped Her Empathy
- Miriam credits her rural roots and parents' hard work for her empathy and ability to connect beyond Dublin.
- She traces family poverty to recent generations and values education and public service as formative.
Issue-Focused, Not Vote-Focused
- Miriam says she wasn't a political nerd and focused on issues and what drives people, not vote counts.
- She prefers exploring why issues persist and what motivates politicians.
