Best-selling author Marian Keyes has said that RTE broadcaster Marian Finucane “interrogated” her during a radio interview at the weekend.

The Limerick writer, well known for her battle with depression, said she wanted to speak about “happy, hopeful stuff” but the veteran broadcaster “wouldn’t let me.”

“She has the compassion and empathy of a cardboard box. Even my mammy called her a bad word...,” 51-year-old Keyes tweeted to her 74,700 Twitter followers.

“I tried my best but feel shitty and ashamed and frustrated that 'Marians tragic tragicness' seems to be the most interesting thing about me.”

Marian Finucane (64) has worked with the national broadcaster for almost four decades.

Her radio show is broadcast between 11am to 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Irish novelist Keyes, best known for her women’s literature, was thanking her “twittery amigos” for their support following the interview when she made the comments.

She maintains that she was so upset with Saturday’s exchange that she “didn’t sleep for 43 hours”.

Online Editors