Joe Duffy tells Liveline listeners 'first I heard of it' on reports he is leaving RTÉ

RTÉ presenter Joe Duffy has appeared to pour cold water on suggestions that he doesn't want to renew his contract with the national broadcaster after next year. 

There had been several reports that he wouldn't look to extend his contract once it ends in mid-2025. 

However, the long-serving presenter appeared to offer a different opinion when the matter came up on his Liveline show on Tuesday, Dublin Live reported. The issue arose during a discussion with a guest about the Savoy cinema not accepting cash.

A caller named Noel joked he was "shown the door and wasn't welcome" at the cinema. Duffy responded saying that was a "great phrase". He added: "There's a story in about five papers saying I'm going to be shown the door in June twelve months. But that's the first I've heard about it. And RTE say he doesn't want a new contract, that's the first I heard about that as well."

When another listener said she hoped he was "going bloody nowhere" he replied: "So do I. I've never heard of anyone talking about their contract a year and a half before it's up, or making a decision."

RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst told the Irish Mirror earlier this week that Duffy, who has been with RTÉ for more than 30 years, has not sought to extend his deal. 

In the wake of this, speculation on his future has even led to bookies giving odds on where the popular Ballyfermot native could end up next. 

Newstalk and Today FM are both touted as possible new employers for the broadcaster, should he decide to leave RTÉ.