Áine Lawlor bids farewell to RTÉ after more than 40 years
Long-time RTÉ broadcaster Áine Lawlor has hosted her final episode of 'The Week in Politics' after a 40-year career. She used her farewell to advocate for the importance of high-quality journalism and to thank the production staff behind the scenes.
Why it matters
Her departure marks the end of an era for Irish public service broadcasting and highlights the growing challenges facing political journalism in the digital age.
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.
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