Irish President’s dog interrupts official address: Here’s how he handled it

A video released on the popular video app provided a real insight into what was happening when the camera was filming him on the lawn. Sitting near his feet, his pet dog kept demanding attention, nibbling on his finger and coat, as the president obliged, giving the pooch scratches continuously!

RTÉ journalist Sinéad Crowley shared the clip on Twitter and wrote: “There was a lot going on in our @rtenews interview yesterday #rtenewsbehindthescenes.” The video has delighted many online, getting over a million views on the platform, and is being widely circulated on other platforms as well.

There was a lot going on in our @rtenews interview yesterday #rtenewsbehindthescenes @PresidentIRL @PaulDeighano pic.twitter.com/2zaJo3fRiY

— Sinéad Crowley (@SineadCrowley) May 3, 2021

However, the official video released by the President’s office on YouTube showed the leader carrying on with his interview without any interruption. While the dog’s snout was only seen once in the video framed tightly in a mid-shot to cut the animal out, a candid version shared on TikTok was quite different.

People on social media loved the sweet interruption and showered loved on Misneach. Many dog owners said that they could relate to the situation, especially when working from home. While Misneach’s antics were not seen on-air, people were glad that the President’s staff members on the grounds of Aras an Uachtarain recorded it.

This is just lovely (and @PresidentIRL is handling it perfectly).🐶🐾 https://t.co/cGzrbCykvy

— Adrian Hilton (@Adrian_Hilton) May 4, 2021

Not only does the President of Ireland have a magnificent dog, he managed to deliver a piece to camera while the dog is being, you know, a dog. https://t.co/t43KbDixxY

— Stilgherrian (@stilgherrian) May 4, 2021

If ever I’m foostering on a Zoom please know it’s Baxter Jordan doing exactly this! https://t.co/ZgUGVekaJK

— Sue Jordan🍒 (@ItsCherrySue) May 3, 2021

the president of ireland is the only politician i feel like i can relate to https://t.co/cAD4OaUM7w

— madeline odent (@oldenoughtosay) May 3, 2021

No idea what this interview is about, but it’s the best one I have ever seen! Volume entirely unnecessary. https://t.co/QLgG29NYD0

— Peta Murphy MP (@petajan) May 3, 2021

Judge a man on how he treats his dog, what a joy to watch. https://t.co/euoCIXWd2W

— Christina McKelvie (@ChristinaSNP) May 4, 2021

Any chance @PresidentIRL can just have an infinite term? Or can we organise for Misneach run in the next election? https://t.co/E6d5a5ozIa

— Tommy O’Connor (@Tommy_o42) May 3, 2021

I love this so much. It has made my day 💚💚💚 #Pupper @PWolohan

— Paul Dunphy Esquire 🏳️‍🌈 (@pauldunphy) May 3, 2021

My kind of President. Also, Michael D. Higgins plays a cameo role in this excellent production. https://t.co/WkUnwP2hK5

— Sanjana Hattotuwa (@sanjanah) May 4, 2021

I LOVE Misneach so much!
Doesn’t matter if your the President, you’re his buddy first and foremost. 😂 https://t.co/BdZEJ9movs

— Paul (nothing I own) Fitz (@PaulFitz1983) May 3, 2021

Dad dad I’m right down here, dad dad can’t you see me, dad dad

— Soozie (@LaubachSoozie) May 4, 2021

“Dad, I’m bored! Dad? Dad? Dad? Daad! Daddy? Daaaaaady! I’m booooored! Oh treats!”

— Jim Smith (@fethfiada) May 3, 2021

A shame you didn’t include this in the news clip Sinead. It would have gone around the world!!😃

— DUNCAN KELLY 🇮🇪 (@DeckiePoo) May 3, 2021

Agree. There should be a 15 minute slot every evening on a main TV station “timeline cleansing”, where we get to see such things.

I live in Scotland, but I wouldn’t mind watch this for this purpose. It’s lovely.

— Finellach (@Finellach1) May 4, 2021

Love the way President Higgins is so relaxed with his puppy and continues his speech.

— Mary T (@MaryT01242058) May 3, 2021

That’s what I was thinking, or at least that’s the pocket he usually finds them in! 😄

— Ellie16 (@Ellie0633) May 3, 2021