David McCullagh

This article is about the television personality. For the historian, see David McCullough.

David McCullagh
Born	(1967-12-01) 1 December 1967 (age 57)
Nationality	Irish
Education	University College Dublin
Occupation	Journalist
Notable credits	RTÉ News: Six One Prime Time
Spouse	Anne-Marie Smyth
Children	1

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 Six One News since August 2020.[1] He previously presented current affairs television programme Prime Time from 2013 to 2020,[2] and was political correspondent with RTÉ News.[3]

Career

He 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]

Personal life

McCullagh 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

1. "David McCullagh joins Caitríona Perry on RTÉ's Six One News". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 31 August 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
2. "New role for David McCullagh as RTÉ's Prime Time presenter". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 4 September 2013.
3. Miriam Lord (27 June 2009). "TDs learn not to distract revitalised Taoiseach". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
4. "Gill and Macmillan: The Reluctant Taoiseach". Gill and Macmillan. Archived from the original on 5 December 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
5. Daniel McConnell (27 April 2008). "US snub for RTÉ political combo". Irish Independent. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
6. "Behind Closed Doors: Presenter". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
7. "McDowell's lofty perch". The Irish Times. 17 April 2003. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
8. "Moloney wins ESB Journalist of the Year award". The Irish Times. 2 November 1999. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
9. John Bruton (9 October 2010). "Costello: the forgotten taoiseach". The Irish Times. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
10. "Russian Ambassador to Ireland defends invasion amid calls to expel him". RTÉ. 25 February 2022.
11. "International Praise For David McCullagh After Interview With Russian Ambassador". 26 February 2022.
12. "RTÉ Launches New Eight-Part Series – Monday Night Live". RTÉ.ie. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.