Gareth O'Callaghan: Claire Byrne's new Newstalk show should have opened with Colm Meaney, not Micheál Martin

Colm Meaney stole the show as the broadcaster masterfully mixed light and shade on her return 'home' after 15 years at RTÉ

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was Claire Byrne’s debut guest on her first show back on Newstalk but Gareth O’Callaghan says her interview with Colm Meaney stole the show. Picture: Conor McCabe

Actor Colm Meaney described Claire Byrne’s first outing on her highly anticipated new Newstalk show as her “maiden voyage”  and she certainly seemed to have a perfect landing.

It was a return to the station after 15 years at RTÉ and she has set a challenge for her rivals. In the three hours the show was on air, there was barely any time to put the kettle on.