“I was hesitant on coming on this programme because in a way this is your business.”
Irish MEP Mairead McGuinness appeared on BBC’s Question Time on Thursday night, showcasing endless political prowess and European knowledge that didn’t go unnoticed with Irish viewers.
The Fine Gael representative claimed that prior to the show’s filming, she was afraid she wouldn’t “get much love” on Question Time – however, it appears that her worries were in vain.
McGuinness, who currently sits as vice president of the European parliament, also mentioned how she felt hesitant about appearing on the show because Brexit is primarily an issue for the UK.
“I was hesitant on coming on this programme because in a way this is your business.”
But she did go on to say that she did believe it was her business due to her role as vice president of the European Parliament and that of representative of the Midlands North West constituency, which borders the North.
BBC released a clip showcasing her cutting reply to journalist Afshin Rattansi’s questions, claiming his statements were “just said in order to be provocative.”
"Do you understand anything about the customs union and the single market?"
@MaireadMcGMEP questions Afshin Rattansi's knowledge on trade in Europe #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/l4LonI9QQA
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) March 15, 2018
Viewers loved McGuinness’ appearance on the show, commenting on her no-nonsense attitude and deeming her “a breath of fresh air.”
https://twitter.com/griffiths_jimmy/status/974430210702630914
Spot on from @MaireadMcGMEP – this ignorant & false view that Brussels is imposing a hard border is pure nonsense spouted by those who clearly don’t understand #Brexit #bbcqt https://t.co/eFKOhX79IZ
— Neale Richmond (@nealerichmond) March 16, 2018
I think I have just fallen in love with #MaireadMcGuinness #bbcqt
— Chris Thomas #ForeverEuropean (@cgthomas51) March 16, 2018
First time I've watched a whole #bbcq for ages. She was magnificent.
— Pat in Pyla💙@dissentra.bsky.social💙GTTO (@Dissentra) March 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/JohnKennedyJnr/status/974535908157304833
She seemed authentic, spoke honestly from the heart, Brian Cox too. Conservative, Labour, and RT panellists seemed either on message or deliberately politicking. The RT panellist displayed a level of smugness that caused most of his points to be lost. #bbcqt panel
— JP McCorley (@jpmccorley) March 16, 2018
However, the show did end on a rather peculiar note as McGuinness kissed the cheek of her fellow panelist, actor Brian Cox.
Wiped the remnants of her lipstick from his face, she said: “Well that was rather more than I anticipated.”
Presenter David Dimbleby chimed in with a “hashtag me too Brian”, in reference to the global social media campaign combating unwanted sexual attention.
Cox replied to Dimpleby by saying “that’s political correctness.”
McGuinness, totally unfazed by the encounter, corrected Dimpleby’s comment by saying “no hashtag you too.”
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