Miriam: Life, Work, Everything Author : Miriam O’Callaghan ISBN-13 : 978-1844886722 Publisher : Sandycove Guideline Price : £25

Miriam O’Callaghan is in reflective mode in the final pages of her memoir as she offers suggestions for a happy life. The 14-item list reveals much about the high-profile broadcaster, and it’s consistent with the story told over the previous 340 pages. Her mantra is to work hard but to make sure there is enjoyment in life. She also recommends drinking champagne as often as you can afford it, and recalls an occasion when one of her sons walked into the kitchen as she was opening a bottle of champagne. ‘What’s the occasion, Mum?’ he asks. ‘It’s Friday,’ she replies nonchalantly.

O’Callaghan hasn’t written a ‘warts and all’ memoir. She is not in the business of dishing dirt or settling scores. The book, which is fast-paced and enjoyable, is essentially the ‘Miriam’ the public has come to know over the last 30 years. She is grateful for the life she has led, and her authenticity comes through. The importance of being glamorous sits comfortably – and unapologetically – alongside being a feminist.

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Given her work with RTÉ, the impartiality rules governing broadcasters somewhat restricts the memoir. She is careful when writing about party politics. The first general election debate she presented was between John Bruton and Bertie Ahern in 1997. ‘These debates are always tricky and stressful for everyone involved,’ she admits, although she says nothing about her view of the contest or the politicians involved.

She’s on safer ground discussing the 20