David McCullagh (born 1 December 1967) is an Irish journalist, author and presenter with RTÉ, Ireland's national radio and television station, where he has presented the Today with David McCullagh show on RTÉ Radio 1 since November 2025. He previously co-presented the Six One News from 2020 to 2025,[1] Prime Time from 2013 to 2020,[2] and was political correspondent with RTÉ News.[3]
David McCullagh | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 December 1967 |
| Education | University College Dublin |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Notable credits | |
| Spouse | Anne-Marie Smyth |
| Children | 1 |
Career
editHe began his journalistic career working for the Evening Press.[4] In 2001, he was political correspondent with RTÉ, along with David Davin-Power.[5] He presents Behind Closed Doors on RTÉ One which details released State Documents.[6] He has also presented The Week in Politics[7] and election and referendum programmes on RTÉ. He was appointed to present the current affairs programme, Prime Time, in September 2013.[2]
In 1999, he won a prize under the category 'TV features and documentaries' in the ESB national media awards.[8] He has also written the book A Makeshift Majority: The first inter-party government, 1948-51,[6] and a biography of John A. Costello. The Reluctant Taoiseach: A Biography of John A Costello, was launched in 2010.[4][9]
On 31 August 2020, McCullagh began presenting the Six One News alongside Caitríona Perry.[1]
During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, McCullagh interviewed the Russian ambassador to Ireland Yury Anatoliyevich Filatov on RTÉ News: Six One, asking him pointed questions about Russia's deception prior to the invasion and the unprovoked, aggressive nature of the invasion. The interview was widely praised.[10][11]
In September 2022, McCullagh was named as one of four presenters to host Monday Night Live, a new eight-part current affairs panel series on RTÉ One, beginning on 3 October.[12]
In August 2025, McCullagh was named as the successor to Claire Byrne as the presenter for Today With... on RTÉ Radio 1, and began in November.[13][14] He signed off from the Six One News on 31 October.[15]
In September 2025, he hosted a series on Éamon de Valera.[16]
Bibliography
edit- De Valera: Rise (1882–1932). Gill Books. 2017. ISBN 9780717155866.
- De Valera: Rule: (1932–1975). Gill Books. 2018. ISBN 9780717179220.
Personal life
editMcCullagh attended Newpark Comprehensive School and studied politics in University College Dublin. He holds a PhD in the subject.[6][4]
McCullagh is married to journalist Anne-Marie Smyth; they have one daughter, Rosie.[4]
References
edit- 1 2 "David McCullagh joins Caitríona Perry on RTÉ's Six One News". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 31 August 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- 1 2 "New role for David McCullagh as RTÉ's Prime Time presenter". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 4 September 2013.
- ↑ Miriam Lord (27 June 2009). "TDs learn not to distract revitalised Taoiseach". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 "Gill and Macmillan - History - The Reluctant Taoiseach". Gill and Macmillan. Archived from the original on 5 December 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
- ↑ Daniel McConnell (27 April 2008). "US snub for RTÉ political combo". Irish Independent. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
- 1 2 3 "Behind Closed Doors: Presenter". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
- ↑ "McDowell's lofty perch". The Irish Times. 17 April 2003. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
- ↑ "Moloney wins ESB Journalist of the Year award". The Irish Times. 2 November 1999. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
- ↑ John Bruton (9 October 2010). "Costello: the forgotten taoiseach". The Irish Times. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
- ↑ "Russian Ambassador to Ireland defends invasion amid calls to expel him". RTÉ. 25 February 2022.
- ↑ Harrington, Eoin (26 February 2022). "International Praise For David McCullagh After Interview With Russian Ambassador". Balls.ie.
- ↑ "RTÉ Launches New Eight-Part Series – Monday Night Live". RTÉ.ie. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
- ↑ "RTÉ's David McCullagh reveals radio salary and how he accepted job offer on way to airport". Independent.ie. 1 September 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
- ↑ Dunne, Alex; Carter, Erica (30 August 2025). "RTE set to announce new Liveline presenter soon following Joe Duffy retirement". Dublinlive.ie. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
- ↑ Jewell, Bryony (1 November 2025). "'A funny old day' David McCullagh gets sweet send off from Six One family". Evoke.ie. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ↑ Power, Ed (3 September 2025). "Dev - Rise and Rule review: Chatty, well-made series fails to decode Éamon de Valera". The Irish Times.