THE Taoiseach and Prime Minister have given their seal of approval to Ireland’s new television channel IrishTV.
Launching today, the 24-hour international station also unveiled some of its British-based presenters including musician Ian McDonnell and broadcaster Maggie Doyle, who will cover stories in London and the South East.
Speaking from Government Buildings in Dublin Enda Kenny said the channel, which will feature 50-home produced programmes a week, should appeal to the Irish abroad.
"All Irish life is local and the concept of IrishTV, with a half-hour programme each week from every county, taps into that spirit and should be of immense interest to audiences both at home and abroad,” he said.
British Prime Minister David Cameron also sent a special message.
“This is a fantastic way to connect the 90 million people in Irish communities all over the world,” he said. “And is something that I am sure will be welcomed by all those in the UK with an interest in Irish business and culture.”
Recalling last month’s State Visit he added: “As I said to President Higgins, I am determined to do everything I can to strengthen further the relationship between our countries – from the joint trade programme and the work on economic renewal in Northern Ireland, to our fantastic cultural ties. I hope this new channel can help with these ambitions and I wish IrishTV every success."
In the North of Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and DUP Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster also endorsed the channel.
A variety of interest will be catered for among the 50 original programmes planned.
These include Cooking with Treyvaud featuring Killarney chef and YouTube sensation Paul Treyvaud; Grass Roots – a 32-county agriculture programme based around a small family farm and the Golf Show, which will travel Ireland featuring a different golf club every week.
There will also be shows for fashion and music – something new presenter Ian McDonnell is delighted about.
Originally from Co. Mayo he is a former drummer with indie band New Sunset Hotel who had an Irish top 10 with the song The Bitter End.
“It’s very exciting,” he said. “I never thought I’d be on the other side of the camera. And I plan to highlight the music scene here in London, I can really relate to that.”
He added: “The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster. I came from Westport to London within a week but it’s a fantastic city, there’s lots of positivity.”
The station will begin broadcasting with a two-hour live launch party from Westport today from 8pm featuring stars of country and Irish music including Tommy Fleming, Sean Keane and Matt Molloy.
IrishTV will broadcast across Britain on Sky Channel 191, Freesat 400, Eircom’s eVision 191 and in the US on PBS.
