Ryan Tubridy says he dreams of following grandfather into politics

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said former RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy would be “very welcome” to move into politics.

Tubridy, 53, told an audience that politics “is coursing through my veins”, noting his grandfather Sean Tubridy was a Fianna Fáil TD for Galway and that on his mother’s side he is related to former MEP Barry Andrews.

He said he is “fascinated by politics, fascinated by public service and fascinated by Fianna Fáil”, adding that he goes to bed each night dreaming of “some day” reclaiming his grandfather’s seat.

Kevin Doyle, executive editor of the Independent, said it was unclear whether Tubridy was joking or testing the waters, while former defence minister Willie O’Dea warned he would need to “toughen up” for a political career.

Martin initially joked about his own All‑Ireland dream before clarifying he did not know the context of Tubridy’s comments but affirmed the former presenter would be welcome, citing his family’s “distinguished” political heritage.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Artem Kulinych / Pexels.