Marian Finucane 1950 - 2020

The death of Irish Broadcaster Marian Finucane has occurred. One of Ireland's most influential women broadcasters and personalities. She worked with broadcaster RTÉ, becoming one of their most bankable stars. She hosted numerous TV and Radio shows, before taking her weekend position on RTÉ Radio 1, she is survived by her Husband and Son. She trained as an architect before becoming a Continuity Announcer on RTÉ television, later she would go on to present Women Today on Radio, which would eventually air on television in the early 1980s, in 1985 she brought phone-in radio to Irish audiences with her mid-afternoon show Liveline.

Irish President Michael D Higgins has led the tributes to Marian Finucane.

He said: "It is with the greatest sadness that I have learned of the passing of broadcaster Marian Finucane. With her death, Ireland has lost a deeply respected, trusted and much-loved broadcaster. Having started her career with RTÉ in 1974, Marian Finucane had become a central part of Irish broadcasting life, covering its events, its personalities, its changes and its tribulations. A superb professional, many will remember the wisdom and sensitivity with which Marian Finucane dealt with discussions and confrontations between different voices on what were controversial issues of the day."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also paid tribute and recalled his time in the studio with the late broadcater saying: "I spent many hours in the studio with Marian. She was thorough, courteous and professional. I'm very sad to think that we won't hear her voice again on the radio. The deepest sympathies of the Irish Government to her family, friends and colleagues."

RTÉ's Director General Dee Forbes said: "We learned today of the sudden passing of Marian Finucane with profound shock and sadness. Marian was a broadcaster of immense capability; a household name, she was first and foremost a tenacious journalist with a zeal for breaking new ground. From Women Today to Liveline to her weekday radio show on Radio 1 and, latterly, her enormously popular Saturday and Sunday radio programme, she tackled the big social issues of the day with command and insight. Multi-skilled, she forged a distinguished career on television, as well as undertaking significant charity work in Africa. Ireland has lost a unique voice. RTÉ has lost a beloved colleague. My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to her husband John and son Jack."

Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin said Ms Finucane has "left an enormous mark on current affairs broadcasting during her career."

He said: "She asked friendly, yet incisive questions. Her abilities will be missed. I extend my condolences to her family."

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has extended her condolences to Ms Finucane's family, friends and RTÉ colleagues.

Ms McDonald said: "Her contribution to Irish journalism and broadcasting has been immense, and she has occupied a special place in the hearts of many radio listeners over the years."