Today Show host Maura Derrane has said she wasn’t worried cutting back her days on the show would impact her career – but admitted it was a “big deal” for her to step back.
The popular presenter and her politician husband John Deasy both rejigged their working hours to be at home more with their son, Cal, with John taking a step back from politics after two decades as TD, while Maura reduced her working hours to three days a week on the Today show to spend more time at home.
But the bubbly host said she wasn’t worried the change up would impact her career – but said it was a massive decision for her to make.
She said: “I wasn’t worried about that but the show is my baby, so it was a big deal for me to step back.
“Sinead is lovely and the perfect fit on the day I’m not there. She and Daithí get on really well together and I’m so happy about that as I’d feel really guilty if it wasn’t working out,” she told Woman’s Way magazine.
The 51-year-old said if the Rte One show was based in Dublin, she probably would’ve never reduced her working hours.
“If the show was based in Dublin, I probably wouldn’t have changed my schedule at all, because I’d be able to come home every evening.
“But with it being in Cork, it just wasn’t realistic and something had to give, as you need to have balance between your working life and family.”
Maura also opens up about growing older while on telly in front of viewers.
“I’m not going to pretend it’s lovely to get older, and not having the body you had before or getting lines on your face.
“People say they love all of that, but I don’t, thank you very much.
“However, I wish I had the confidence I have now when I was in my thirties.
“As a woman, the most important thing is feeling good about yourself, so do whatever makes you feel good.
“There are women who always want to be perfect and look amazing, and then there are lucky people who don’t give a hoot and are happy out.
“If you’re not happy with your figure, work on it and do what you need to do to look in the mirror and be happy with what’s looking back at you.
“But don’t try to be 20 again because you’re not, so get over it.
“When I started in Ireland AM, it became all about how I looked. It was about putting you on the cover of magazines and photoshoots left, right and centre, which I thought was hilarious as I had grafted in news for eight years,” she added.
