‘Young men shouldn’t think they’re baddies’ – Miriam

MIRIAM O’Callaghan believes she is “very lucky” to have never experienced a #MeToo moment during her career as a broadcaster – and said working alongside men has always had a positive impact on her career.

The ‘Prime Time’ presenter has said she has never found herself in a situation where she has been made to feel uneasy at work by a male colleague.

She added young men should not be made feel like they are “baddies” as a result of the #MeToo movement.

Speaking to ‘RSVP’ magazine, she said the movement had made necessary corrections and said there was still more work to be done to reach an equal playing field.

“I am obviously aware of other people who have had bad experiences, but I would be making stories up if I said that I have had anything similar. I have had contrary experience: men have promoted me at work and I had a wonderful father,” said the 58-year-old.

“Dad was a feminist even though he came from a farm in Kerry and he encouraged us all to go to university. He was a great role model and I also have a great brother, husband and work colleagues in RTÉ and BBC.

“I still think the correction was necessary and it needs to continue, but we can’t live in a world where every man – young, middle-aged or old – is a predator or a potential attacker. I don’t believe that.

“I believe the overwhelming majority of men I know are decent, kind and gentle. Overwhelmingly, I don’t think young men should grow up thinking they are baddies from the get-go.”