Tommy Bowe has no plans to move into politics: 'I prefer to stick in my lane'

The former Ireland rugby star has no desire to join the recent crop of so-called ‘celebrity candidates’ running for office

Former rugby ace Tommy Bowe has quelled rumours he might go into politics, insisting he wouldn’t be a TD “for all the tea in China”.

The Ireland AM host said he had not been approached by any political party to run in the upcoming general election tipped for a November date.

It comes as Dubs GAA legend Philly McMahon revealed he had been asked, and presenter Grainne Seoige is confirmed as a candidate for Fianna Fail.

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Despite his sporting background, Ulster dad-of-two Tommy has been praised for his tough interview style, often grilling ministers on hot topics.

But when asked about a career in the Dail, the 40-year-old said: “Not for all the tea in China. Never, no way.

“I look at those politicians, and I love having them on the show and trying to put the questions that we get from the viewers and the contributors to them, but I would never, ever go into politics.”

Asked if he’d been approached he replied: “No, God, no.

“I was a rugby player, I’m now in the media. I’m doing television, which I love, but politics would be a step too far. I think that politicians are great and are brilliant for business and make all things work. But I think I prefer to stick in my lane on this.”

Tommy joined the Ireland AM team four years ago and gets up at 4am to commute from Belfast to Dublin for the morning show.

He said: “I haven’t slept out yet in my four years, touch wood. I’m sure it will happen, when the alarm goes off nobody likes to get up. I did rugby for 14 years, it might be nice to do the telly for 14 years as well.

“But who knows – television is as fickle as sport is...you’re only as good as your last show.

“That’s what I love about live TV. Some of the crazy stuff at 7am, you have to have your wits about you.

“I’m kind of that person off the street, so I think that resonates with people.”

Tommy and his co-hosts including Muireann O’Connell, Elaine Crowley and Alan Hughes marked 25 years of Ireland AM this week.

And he admitted he still gets teased by the public over his infamous “10 siblings” faux pas on air when he scoffed at the size of an author’s large family – before being told they had lost their mum tragically young. He said: “They still shout ‘10 siblings’ at me on the street wherever I go.”

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