Áine Lawlor pays tribute to politicians and journalists as she bids farewell to RTÉ
Dominique Farrell
Political Coverage Editor
After more than 40 years with RTÉ, broadcaster Áine Lawlor has hosted her final The Week in Politics on RTÉ One.
Ms Lawlor said it has all been a very emotional time, but that it has been a privilege to have had the career she has had, as she thanked both politicians for participating in the programme and audiences for tuning in.
"I've come to respect the work that politicians in Leinster House do on all sides of the house. I have seen the hours they put in, the detailed and often laborious work on legislation and campaigns.
"I have also seen how online abuse has impacted many of them and their families.
"I could not do what they do, they and we deserve better in our democracy."
She said that the aim of the programme was to be "tough but fair" throughout to all guests and all viewpoints.
Speaking directly to the audience, she thanked them for watching often at "ungodly hours" saying: "We have really appreciated every single one of you, thank you".
Ms Lawlor described working in Leinster House as a journalist as a "tough career" as she signed off today's The Week in Politics.
Speaking about the future of journalism, she said that good journalism "needs your support".
"In many ways it is a much more insecure (career) than when I came into journalism. Good political journalism from reporters who know the difference between verified facts and fake news is also critical to the health of our democracy.
To all my colleagues in RTÉ that I'm leaving behind, the past few years have been very difficult for many people here and a lot has been written fairly and rightly and said, and some of it wrongly - about the big names and senior management.
"I want to speak about the people here whose brilliant work you don't see. The fantastic directors, the studio crew who keep programmes like this on air, the video editors, the graphics, staging, make-up, wardrobe, security – without all of them, this programme and our news bulletins couldn’t happen.
"I’ve seen them all go beyond and above the call of duty and I want to thank them for their professionalism and their real commitment and belief in public service broadcasting.
"I’ve seen them deliver that for a long time now and I really wish them all well, and a better future."
She also thanked the staff at Leinster House, saying: "They don't get cheered enough."
As she walks out of Studio Three after presenting her last The Week in Politics, Áine Lawlor can be justifiably proud of her decades long career at the top of Irish journalism.
Proud, however, is not something that her colleagues would say she is. Rather, she is regarded as humorous, erudite, appreciative and supportive by colleagues.
Over 42 years she has served Irish audiences of radio and television in many guises.
From Coolock, in Dublin, after attending Manor House School in Raheny, she wound up in Trinity College and served as Student Union President.
She first joined RTÉ in 1984. That was the beginning of a lifelong journey at the heart of Irish radio and television broadcasting that made her a household name up and down the country.
Morning Ireland, RTÉ's flagship morning news programme, came looking for her in 1995, and 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.
She also worked on television projects at this time, including the ground-breaking three-part Mary Raftery documentary series States of Fear, which she narrated.
In 2011, she took a break from Morning Ireland after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Although off air for a time there was a huge outpouring of sympathy for her and subsequently gratitude from many as she shared her treatment and recovery journey in a two-part documentary, Facing Cancer.
There followed in 2013 her appointment as presenter on the News at One radio programme and also as presenter of The Week in Politics, the latter role she continued with until today, her very last day broadcasting in RTÉ.
Over the years there were many memorable TWIP broadcasts, high profile interviews and moments when Áine’s thorough and clear-eyed approach led to dramatic turns.
Most recently, her close questioning of Jim Gavin, the Fianna Fáil candidate in the 2025 Presidential Election over property interests, was compulsive viewing, and central to the decision later that day by Mr Gavin to withdraw from the election race.
Known primarily for her sharp political journalism, Áine was equally comfortable and proficient in other settings.
Whether it was at the National Ploughing Championships or Big Week on the Farm, or her always sunny style presenting Bloom Live every year, colleagues could see at the heart of Áine was a great grá for people and for celebrating nature.
No doubt there will be plenty of time for that in her garden and her allotment, along with husband Ian and the rest of her family.
RTÉ's loss is her family's gain.
Áine Lawlor is leaving the building but her broadcasting legacy remains.
Our hope for our colleague is that the next chapter will be filled with joy.
RTÉ News.