David McCullagh (born 1 December 1967) is an Irish journalist, author and presenter with RTÃÂ, Ireland's national radio and television station, where he has presented the Today with David McCullagh show on RTÃÂ Radio 1 since November 2025. He previously co-presented the ' from 2020 to 2025, Prime Time from 2013 to 2020, and was political correspondent with RTÃÂ News.
He began his journalistic career working for the Evening Press. In 2001, he was political correspondent with RTÃÂ, along with David Davin-Power. He presents Behind Closed Doors on RTÃÂ One which details released State Documents. He has also presented The Week in Politics and election and referendum programmes on RTÃÂ. He was appointed to present the current affairs programme, Prime Time, in September 2013.
In 1999, he won a prize under the category 'TV features and documentaries' in the ESB national media awards. He has also written the book A Makeshift Majority: The first inter-party government, 1948-51, and a biography of John A. Costello. The Reluctant Taoiseach: A Biography of John A Costello, was launched in 2010.
On 31 August 2020, McCullagh began presenting the ' alongside CaitrÃÂona Perry.
During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, McCullagh interviewed the Russian ambassador to Ireland Yury Anatoliyevich Filatov on ', asking him pointed questions about Russia's deception prior to the invasion and the unprovoked, aggressive nature of the invasion. The interview was widely praised.
In September 2022, McCullagh was named as one of four presenters to host Monday Night Live, a new eight-part current affairs panel series on RTÃÂ One, beginning on 3 October.
In August 2025, McCullagh was named as the successor to Claire Byrne as the presenter for Today With... on RTÃÂ Radio 1, and began in November. He signed off from the ' on 31 October.
In September 2025, he hosted a series on ÃÂamon de Valera.
McCullagh attended Newpark Comprehensive School and studied politics in University College Dublin. He holds a PhD in the subject.
McCullagh is married to journalist Anne-Marie Smyth; they have one daughter, Rosie.