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Dr Katherine Zappone during her time as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Leah Farrell

Katherine Zappone says she will not accept UN envoy role after days of mounting political pressure

Today’s reports of a 50-person event led to increased pressure over Zappone’s appointment as a UN envoy.

LAST UPDATE | 4 Aug 2021

FORMER MINISTER KATHERINE Zappone has declined the position of UN special envoy for freedom of opinion and expression, after coming under increasing political pressure about the appointment process.

Opposition and Government TDs have raised concerns in the week since Zappone was selected for the role of UN special envoy about the appointment process, with concerns raised about cronyism and an unfair process.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney have apologised to the Taoiseach for not informing him of Zappone’s selection before it was announced at Cabinet last week; Taoiseach Micheál Martin then said in response: “We move on.”

Zappone served as Children and Youth Affairs Minister in the Fine Gael-led government formed in 2016 under Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Fine Gael TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney offered Zappone the role without opening it up for applications; Coveney defended this as being a “perfectly normal” way to appoint special envoys.

Today, the Irish Independent reported that six days before her appointment, Zappone held a gathering of 50 people at the Merrion Hotel, which is located across the road from Government Buildings, which the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar attended.

This evening Varadkar released a statement to say that he was present for 45 minutes, and that the guidelines will be updated so that people have clarity around what is allowed.

Some opposition TDs had raised questions whether the gathering was within Covid guidelines, but the hotel has insisted that everything was above board and Zappone herself said in a statement earlier that she had been assured by the hotel that public health guidelines were being followed.

The publication of the story increased the focus on Zappone’s appointment as UN special envoy, and she released a statement hours later saying that she would decline the role.

In a statement released this afternoon, Zappone said that it was clear that criticism of the appointment process “has impacted the legitimacy of the role itself”.

It is my conviction that a Special Envoy role can only be of real value to Ireland and to the global community if the appointment is acceptable to all parties.

“For this reason, I have decided not to accept this appointment, and I have communicated my decision to the Minister for Foreign Affairs,” she said.

A statement from Minister Simon Coveney responding to Zappone’s announcement said: “I understand her decision and thank her for being willing to work on Ireland’s human rights priorities.

“For my part, I accept that mistakes were made in how this appointment was brought to government and lessons will be learnt from that.”

The Merrion gathering

Merrion Hotel 002 The Merrion Hotel in Dublin Sam Boal Sam Boal

Earlier today, Zappone had said she was “assured” by the Merrion Hotel that the event she recently organised was in compliance with Covid-19 restrictions after it emerged she had hosted 50 people, including the Tánaiste, at the five-star hotel. 

“Please contact the Merrion Hotel for their statement regarding compliance with government Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines for my private event,” Zappone said in a statement to RTÉ News this morning. 

Zappone added that “Prior to organising the event I inquired, and was assured by the Merrion Hotel, that the event would be in compliance with Government Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines.”

The Tánaiste released a statement this evening, after Zappone declined the role, to say that he had also checked with the hotel before attending the event.

“I confirmed in advance directly with [Zappone], and with the hotel management on arrival, that the event was compliant with Covid regulations. I was present for about 45 minutes, spoke to Dr Zappone briefly and listened to her speech before returning to work. The event took place entirely outdoors.

“I always strive to adhere to Covid restrictions and as a public representative I try to be extra careful in that regard.

What were the Government rules at the time?

The Tánaiste, Zappone, the Merrion Hotel, and the Attorney General have all insisted that the event held on 21 July was compliant with Covid-19 rules at the time.

The Tánaiste said this evening: “Government regulations permit organised outdoor gatherings and events of up to 200 people. There were about 50 people present. The definition in the regulations includes social events as well as recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment or community events.

“I am confident these regulations were not breached. This matter has been checked with the Attorney General.”

This evening, the Government Press Office said that the Attorney General had advised that “regulations provide for organised outdoor events and gatherings up to 200 people, including social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment or community events”.

The statement then listed the regulations in question.

The Tánaiste said:

As the Government statement has already said, further updates will be made to the guidelines to ensure that people have clarity about how future organised outdoor events may operate.

Newly elected Dublin Bay South TD Ivana Bacik also confirmed to the Irish Independent that she was in attendance at the Merrion Hotel event for 15-20 minutes.

The Merrion Hotel has said in a statement that it was in compliance with all guidelines in affect at the time.

The hotel said: “At all times since the start of the pandemic, The Merrion Hotel has adhered to Government public health measures including the relevant guidelines that were in place at the time of the event on July 21st.

“Regulations in place at that time, as published on Gov.ie, allowed for outdoor events of up to 200 people.

In relation to hotel guidelines published by Fáilte Ireland, there have been significant changes to these since the event on 21st July – the version of the Guidelines that were in place at that time made no reference to outdoor organised events.

The current Fáilte Ireland guidelines state that organised events at hotels and guesthouses are not permitted – however, up to 200 people have been allowed attend outdoor events since early July. 

Criticism from opposition and Government TDs

Since news of the appointment was revealed last week the issue has caused considerable controversy, with former Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan saying the issue should be discussed by an Oireachtas committee.

Social Democrat TD Gary Gannon last week wrote to Flanagan, who chairs the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, to request that the committee examine the appointment of Zappone.

This morning, Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said the role was “a made-up position” and that the event held by Zappone was “at best questionable” from a public health point of view. 

He said there needs to be transparency around the event. 

There needs to be accountability, the Tánaiste needs to be up front in terms of the event he was at, who else was at it, in what context did he attend and what influence did that have in relation to [Zappone's] subsequent appointment. 

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast today, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke, said he’s “not sure” where there would have been a breach of guidelines with such an event.

“My understanding is that it was an outdoor event and Leo Varadkar checked with the hotel [that the event was in line with Government Covid-19 guidelines].” 

The Journal has sought confirmation from the Department on whether the role will still be filled.

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    Mute mary carey
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:37 PM

    So he tells his boss to go F themselves and then he gets a promotion…?

    555
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    Mute Beano
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:40 PM

    I’m gonna try that…wish me luck

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    Mute Gareth Wogan
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:41 PM

    he had moxie

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    Mute Beano
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:46 PM

    Balls……That didn’t go too well

    Anyone know of anyone hiring?

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    Mute OggieThe4th
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:47 PM

    Baz is,Beano :)

    45
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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:19 PM

    You mean when he resigned from his weekly RTE Pulse show which he presented and produced done for free for over half a decade as a public service, while license payers’ money continued to be diverted to making rubbish?

    21
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    Mute Kane Abel
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    Jun 24th 2015, 3:17 PM

    Well obviously his Dad is Boss man on the Voice of Ireland, and his other Dad is Boss of 2FM….. Cause he sure as **** can’t present….. Typical RTE with their ankle-high standards :(

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    Mute Scarr
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    Jun 24th 2015, 3:33 PM

    Should 2fm not be done away with and funds diverted to more worthy causes within TV / radio? And no, I don’t mean paying inflated salaries – that’s another convo.
    We don’t need a pop music station funded by taxes do we?

    56
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    Mute TheIrishBrain
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    Jun 24th 2015, 5:12 PM

    Was the wind blowing or did he arrive on a bike for that photo.

    34
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    Mute Ivorpabst
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    Jun 24th 2015, 5:26 PM

    @Beano – well, how did it go ?

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    Mute Oisín Mac Aodhagáin
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:51 PM

    Not sure if its just me but does anyone else find that this lad is a complete and utter wreck the head?

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    Mute Fran Heavey
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    Jun 24th 2015, 3:25 PM

    It appears its not just you

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    Mute Oisín Mac Aodhagáin
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    Jun 24th 2015, 4:41 PM

    So it seems Fran, so it seems

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    Mute Colin Treacy
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:39 PM

    Bring back Will Leahy…!

    451
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:59 PM

    They never replaced Will in my opinion so I haven’t listened in protest. #bringbackWill

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    Mute Seán O'Sullivan
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:18 PM

    The best comment here Colin!

    70
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    Mute S
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:38 PM

    Imagine that, someone who already works for RTE getting another job at RTE. Wonders never cease.

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    Mute Mark Ryan
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:56 PM

    it makes sense to promote internally.

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    Mute Alien8
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:06 PM

    yes, that always freshens things up.

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    Mute Richard Canavan
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:41 PM

    Insufferable

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    Mute Michael Chang
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:51 PM

    2fm should try entertain someone other than a teenage girl at some stage.

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    Mute Carlos Bandanas
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:52 PM

    “The legendary Colm Hayes”, now that’s a bit of a stretch…

    223
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    Mute Mark Gerard Lochlain
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:53 PM

    Lol exactly what I thought!!! Lol Colm who?

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    Mute Enda Rochford
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    Jun 24th 2015, 6:10 PM

    They sacked Jim Jim only to find out he was the funny one of the pair, which is bad enough, then shafted Will Leahy, the most popular afternoon show in the country and stuck him on in the weekend, then Colm was losing so many listeners they dropped in a new comedy sidekick Al Porter who sadly wasn’t funny either. Now we get Eoghan. Its a shame, Louise McSharry is probably the best thing on 2FM these days and they don’t even realise it.

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    Mute Morgan Freeman
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:52 PM

    I’m sorry, but that hair is an outrage.

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    Mute sonny black
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:08 PM

    I don’t know which is worse.The hair or his personality.

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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:13 PM

    Overgrown, politically correct, teenager who wont stop speaking in americanisms, lovely.

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    Mute Old Gordon
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    Jun 24th 2015, 8:00 PM

    He’s unbearable.

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    Mute Joan Featherstone
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    Jun 24th 2015, 8:29 PM

    Don’t know him, but seriously can he be as bad Hector…..he’s wreck the head central (I know he’s on Today FM in the morning at present), I’ve turned the dial.

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    Mute Mark Gerard Lochlain
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:12 PM

    A complete and utter toss pot!!! Couldn’t listen to him!!! He’ll be well switched off!!

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    Mute Denise Friary
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:25 PM

    I will be operating my dial if I hear him. The idiot is a clown.

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    Mute little jim
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:55 PM

    He’s actually both.

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    Mute John Pidgeon
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    Jun 24th 2015, 3:03 PM

    2fm is a shambles, a station for teenyboppers. They god rid of Will Leahy who was head and shoulders above everybody and now have a terrible line up from the breakfast show right through to the 2 headwreckers they have in the evening. Now they have another headmelter in to keep the teens happy. Today Fm is not as good as it once was but it is still head and shoulders above 2fm.

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    Mute Pádraig McCann
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:46 PM

    Oh dear….

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    Mute Ivorpabst
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:04 PM

    He was very strange on TV covering EP last September. Very poor performance.

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    Mute Seán O'Sullivan
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:57 PM

    If enough dont pay their licence the Irish might eventually arrive at some decent broadcasting. eg An item on Saturday with Miriam, covering 2 other rte presenters being praised for working multi roles that new talent could have been used for is worrying for a national broadcaster. New talent now!

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Jun 24th 2015, 1:57 PM

    Bring back Dusty Rhodes.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Jun 24th 2015, 5:34 PM

    but the summer has been very wet …

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    Mute Elaine Moriarty
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:53 PM

    Can’t stand him!

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    Mute Donnacha Byrne
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:21 PM

    The merry go-round in rte, still goes round & round and has no intention of stopping

    52
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    Mute Mark Ryan
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:01 PM

    makes sense they can’t compete with today fm and newstalk in this slot so probably gone for a cheaper option.

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    Mute John Walsh
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    Jun 24th 2015, 3:42 PM

    I think RTEs idea is to make 2fm so bad, drive listener numbers down so they can justify turning it off.

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    Mute OneTrueVoice
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:05 PM

    probably the most talented domestic entertainment broadcaster of our generation.

    And that’s not a compliment.

    35
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    Mute Brian Ward
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    Jun 24th 2015, 4:34 PM

    Maybe if he throws another hissy fit in a few months time he could get the Director General job! Maybe that’s where so many unemployed people are going wrong these days. Turn up at an interview acting like a drama queen telling the interviewers to go f**k themselves and voila, “when can you start?”.

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    Mute Liam Na mBád
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:21 PM

    Big boots to fill – Colm was good and i listened to his show a lot. Eoghan wouldn’t be my cup of tea as I’m not a teenage girl so i doubt ill tune in. Hope it goes well for him though!

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    Mute Mark Gerard Lochlain
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    Jun 24th 2015, 2:54 PM

    It’s the boys he’s after love!! :)

    58
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    Mute Cormac Bergin
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    Jun 24th 2015, 8:16 PM

    He can’t be any worse than Hayes, without doubt he’s the greatest plonker on radio. How such an unintelligent clown can make on to national air waves is mind boggling. He was embarrassing to listen to. Will leahy I liked and commanded the evening drive home, since his move I’ve tuned into nova. Good alternative.

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    Mute Ger Buckley
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    Jun 24th 2015, 6:31 PM

    big honour my hole…couldnt get a job on sky.

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    Mute Ingo Weinhold
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    Jun 24th 2015, 10:40 PM

    another reason not to listen to 2fm…the head on him

    11
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    Mute Ivorpabst
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    Jun 24th 2015, 5:29 PM

    The one true talent they should give a show to is Al Porter.

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    Mute Aoife Gregg
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    Jun 24th 2015, 3:32 PM

    Jesus Christ people LEAVE HIM ALONE! Take your anger out on RTE. have u ever heard of ‘change is good’! Looking forward to tuning in and hopefully we see more and more of the talented Al Porter✌

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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
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    Jun 24th 2015, 3:58 PM

    wow can you actually see al porter through your radio ?

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    Mute West Cork Lad
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    Jun 24th 2015, 5:26 PM

    In this instance ,’Change is only good’ at a till ,Aoife .

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    Mute JOHN O'DONOVAN
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    Jun 27th 2015, 8:36 AM

    Glad to see that 2fm boss made a mistake by taking the greatest daily show on 2fm – Will Leahy – off air – Colm Hayes is gone already !

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    Mute Caroline Roche
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    Jun 26th 2015, 4:37 AM

    Aaarrgh – so sick and tired of the radio – 80% male voices – I want to hear a smart interesting woman not this lad

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