The nation of Ireland was shocked when Claire Byrne announced that she would be stepping down from Claire Byrne Live after seven years on TV.
It was then announced that Katie Hannon was going to be replacing the show with her own series, Upfront with Katie Hannon.
After weeks of waiting the show finally hit the air on Monday night with viewers tuning in to get their fill of current events.
The show promised that it wouldn’t shy away from the tough topics and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
40% of people aged 25-to-34 in Ireland live with their parents.@KatieGHannon asked people in those circumstances to send us a message here, and on Whatsapp. In the video are just some of those we received.
📺 Tune in tonight, @RTEOne, at 1035pm for more. #Housing | #Ireland pic.twitter.com/khB7Z0xQb9
— Upfront with Katie Hannon (@RTEUpfront) January 30, 2023
It kicked off with a conversation about the accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland.
Senator Michael McDowell, Junior Minister Jennifer Carroll O’Neill, former MEP Deputy Matt Carty and Irish-Syrian journalist Razan Ibraheem were among the programme’s first-ever panel.
Emphasising the importance of distinguishing people who are coming to Ireland fleeing persecution and those who arrive for other reasons, Mr McDowell said it shouldn’t take three years to process asylum applications.
It was a hotly debated topic with members of the audience getting involved in the debate, sharing their opinions, no matter how controversial.
Viewers flocked to Twitter to share their own opinion on the show.
Congrats .@KatieGHannon & @RTEUpfront team. Solid start to build on.
Great set,liked way viewer contributions displayed but hope to see brave choice of fewer subjects & deeper debate.
Katie grew as night went on
& hope #upfront will too, following up on debate #RTEUpfront pic.twitter.com/HSgnAh2peE— Brian Kerrigan (@peterhenry9) January 31, 2023
#RTEUpfront Really enjoyed tonight’s program. Well done Katie.
— Lynn Hayes (@LynnHay08638729) January 30, 2023
#RTEUpfront Huge congrats to Katie Hannon. Great skill in getting as many voices heard as possible. Done with respect and warmth and empathy. Same way she presents Liveline. Class.
— Misha B (@Miesha6107) January 30, 2023
Ah @KatieGHannon you did a good job tonight. Enjoyed the show. #RTEUpfront
— Brian McGovern (@brianmcgovern8) January 30, 2023
@KatieGHannon #RTEUpfront
I see you got decent pen…
Great start ..enjoyed it…— Lawrence Kilbane (@dooega76) January 30, 2023
Upfront with Katie Hannon continues on Monday at 10.35pm, RTÉ One.
