Leading RTÉ presenter apologises for 'loose use of language' live on air

Long-time broadcaster Joe Duffy has issued an apology to listeners of today's (March 7) Liveline on RTÉ Radio 1 after using explicit language while live on air. 

Liveline, which is on from Monday to Friday at 1:45pm until 3pm, is an every-day affairs segment in which callers can phone into Mr Duffy and discuss a wide variety of topics. 

Today's show was no different, with people from all over Ireland phoning in to talk about electricity bills, obsessive compulsive disorder, the lack of school places for special needs children, and much more. 

However, one of these segments did seem to grind on the long-time presenter's gears, after listeners of the show heard Mr Duffy use the word "F**k" in relation to a topic which a caller brought up. 

The caller, subject and word used have all appeared to be cut from the RTÉ Player's episode, which was uploaded mere hours after the unintentional slip-up. 

However, the presenter's apology is still featured on the playback. 

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The media personality said on Liveline, "Before we move on, I want to apologise for my loose use of language earlier on. After 37 years doing a daily programme, it's the first time it happened and I apologise, obviously. I hope my listeners, my loyal listeners and long-term listeners will know that its very unusual, thankfully, occurrence." 

Many listeners took to social media to comment on their surprise at the language used.

One said, "Oops, turn down your mic Joe."

While another asked, "Did Joe Duffy just have a cut off your man under his breath?"

A final person stated, "Kinda get the feeling Duffy doesn't agree with this caller..." followed by a smirking emoji. 

If you missed Liveline with Joe Duffy, you can listen to the most recent episode here.