Latest news with #RyanTubridy
Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Gareth O'Callaghan: It's been two years since Tubridy was thrown to the lions. Is it time for RTÉ to ask him back?
'Until someone is prepared to lay out the systemic problem, we will simply go through cycles of finding corruption, finding a scapegoat, eliminating the scapegoat, and relaxing until we find the next scandal.' I'm not a fan of American politician Newt Gingrich; but as I read these words of his, I'm reminded of where I was this week two years ago when Ryan Tubridy's stellar career as Ireland's leading broadcaster started to come apart in what was a bolt out of the blue. Barely a month before, a day ahead of his final Late Late Show, he told fans: 'Tomorrow night is going to be a night of endings for sure, but beginnings for definite.' In hindsight, some might have called his words prophetic, others foreboding; but it seems certain he knew nothing about what was careering down the tracks. It would take a long hot summer before RTÉ's director general Kevin Bakhurst finally announced on August 18 that Tubridy would not be returning to his radio show, after a two-month controversy that became the most damaging crisis the broadcaster has ever faced in its almost 100-year history. It was an inglorious sacking, painfully drawn out, and made worse the previous month by the performances of some politicians on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) with their humiliation of Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly during live Oireachtas TV sessions, the first of which had more than nine million minutes of online viewing. No doubt it's a date that's etched forever in his memory, the day his career slipped from his grip and his life changed — Tuesday, July 11, 2023, when he was thrown to the lions in Leinster House, a place that's not always known for its moral compass. For the first time in its history, this online streaming channel, which most viewers to the event had never heard of, had bigger audiences than the annual Toy Show. Pubs across the country showed the televised meetings on their big screens, while clips from earlier sessions were viewed millions of times on TikTok. 'This is my first rodeo being in the public eye,' Tubridy told PAC that day. 'My name has been desperately sullied, I think my reputation has been sullied.' Strong words not used lightly, which led this writer to suspect he was being scapegoated as a result of a gargantuan cover-up — one that, it turned out, had been simmering for years. No doubt Tuesday, July 11, 2023, is a date that's etched forever in Ryan Tubridy's memory, the day his career slipped from his grip and his life changed. File photo: Oireachtas TV In the words of American diplomat Madeleine Albright, 'the cover-up, more than the initial wrongdoing, is what is most likely to bring you down.' And it did, royally. It was a scandal waiting to happen, and it was allowed to happen, not just by successive RTÉ managements, but by governments who ignored the warning signs for years. Looking back at the cast of characters who testified at the hearings, the only one thrown under the bus was Tubridy. That tells its own story. It wasn't until Grant Thornton's report was published in August two years ago that the facts became clear amidst all the convoluted evidence divulged by both sides. But by then, one man's reputation had been badly harmed. It found that RTÉ had intentionally understated Tubridy's annual salary by €120,000 across the three years from 2017-2019 by driving down payments made to him to under €500,000. In total, Tubridy was overpaid by €345,000. This conclusion cleared him of blame, which appeared at one point to be piled high and deep against him. RTÉ essentially disregarded its own payroll system so as to undervalue Tubridy's salary. Payroll software at the broadcaster clearly showed he was paid more than the €500,000 over each of the three years. According to the report, Tubridy was also entitled to a €120,000 bonus, which he chose to waive. Hindsight can be merciless. What remains foremost in public memory two years later is the side deal with Renault, which RTÉ footed the bill for. Pubs across the country showed the televised meetings on their big screens from Oireachtas TV of RTE's star presenter Ryan Tubridy. File photo: Oireachtas TV In 2020, Tubridy was paid by RTÉ in a sponsorship deal brokered by him, his agent and the broadcaster worth €225,000, in return for taking part in three corporate events for the car dealer, of which only one took place. He hasn't repaid the outstanding €150,000. Last weekend, media minister Patrick O'Donovan encouraged Tubridy to hand back the money, 'so we can move on from it,' he said. Ryan Tubridy has clearly moved on from it. He now lives in London, recently got engaged, and carving out a career for himself in radio, having been left with little choice but to leave the country, censured as the poster boy of a scandal he didn't cause. He became the fall guy as accountancy practices that had been going on for years in RTÉ finally became public. Was there any need for the public humiliation and the verbal flogging that Ryan Tubridy was subjected to two years ago? Did it serve any purpose, apart from dividing a national audience? If anything, it laid bare the banjaxed business model of RTÉ. The station posted a €9.1million loss in 2023 when its licence revenue took a massive hit as a result of the scandal, which it likely will never recover from. Its business model has never worked, so how can it hope to be self-sufficient? Government handouts are RTÉ's only hope of surviving, but for how long more? I suspect Kevin Bakhurst is keeping a close eye on the BBC, whose charter comes up for renewal in two years; when the network will have to prove its fitness in negotiations in order to take on the next 10 years of public service broadcasting. RTÉ has always fancied itself as a BBC-type replica with the additional benefit of commercial revenue income. BBC's charter comprises a trio of core objectives: the pursuit of truth with no agenda, an emphasis on its native culture and storytelling, and a mission to bring people together – not unlike RTÉ. But has RTÉ not failed in two of these objectives in the light of what happened two years ago? RTÉ has a serious public service broadcasting remit, which is becoming more and more difficult to commit to in the modern climate of content-rich competitors with very deep pockets. In television land, new content is king. Repeating old programmes in order to fill a television schedule is one sure way to drive away viewers. It's difficult not to feel a sense of fatalism about RTÉ's future. Its treatment of a presenter who is still loved the length and breadth of Ireland, along with its handling of the payment scandal, was a devastating error of judgement. RTÉ's director general said there was a 'moral' case for Tubridy to return the money. Considering the scandal was of their own making, with disclosures of indefensible accounting and governance practices, and a propensity for decades of lavish corporate hospitality, RTÉ should be careful about highlighting what they regard as other people's morals. Ryan Tubridy at the official launch of Joe Duffy's autobiography 'Just Joe' in Dublin in 2011. File photo: Gareth Chaney Collins Grant Thornton's report absolved Ryan Tubridy of any blame. Whether he should return the remainder of the private sponsorship fee he received is a matter for him to decide. Unfortunately, the role that one individual found himself unwittingly cast into as the controversy unfolded two years ago, and how that role was sensationalised to the point where he was unjustly made out to be the villain, continues to overshadow the reality of a much greater scandal in which many of those responsible will never be punished. Two years on, the least RTÉ could do is offer Ryan Tubridy his job back. Maybe then, in the minister's own words, we can move on from it. Read More Gareth O'Callaghan: Unanswered questions haunt Philip Cairns case decades later
Extra.ie
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Mary McAleese lauds Ryan Tubridy as she recalls her own 'dark days' within RTÉ
Mary McAleese has admitted that she had 'dark days' within RTÉ in her early career as she revealed the words of wisdom she shared to Ryan Tubridy during his departure from the state broadcaster. The former Late Late Show presenter and radio broadcaster departed the public service channel in 2023 amid a huge payments scandal. Since then, the Dubliner has relocated to the UK where he broadcasts his own mid-morning show with Virgin Radio UK; launched his own book-inspired podcast, and most recently got engaged to his partner, Clare. The Dubliner has relocated to the UK where he broadcasts his own mid-morning show with Virgin Radio UK; launched his own book-inspired podcast, and most recently got engaged to his partner, Clare. Pic: Ryan Tubridy Speaking on the season finale of the third season of The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy, the presenter was praised for picking himself up following the RTÉ scandal, with former President Mary McAleese relating that she 'had tough days there too.' Kicking off the show, Mary said: 'It's good to see you — but it's particularly good to see you at this wonderful stage of your life. We hear great news about an engagement and I wish you so much happiness because God knows you deserve it! 'I remember back to the dark days, and I remember writing to you in those dark days giving you one piece of advice. It was, 'There is life after RTÉ. I should know.'' Mary McAleese has admitted that she had 'dark days' within RTÉ in her early career as she revealed the words of wisdom she shared to Ryan Tubridy during his departure from the state broadcaster. Pic: The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy/ Instagram Ryan responded that the 73-year-old 'should know' having spent some time as an RTÉ employee back in the day. 'I had tough days there too,' Mary confirmed, 'Well, different but dark enough days. Days that made me decide, 'I just can't stay there anymore.' So, I know how the dark days are as you move into a new chapter, the shape of which you haven't shaped yourself, and you just don't know. 'Well, with your talent, we always knew that the shape ahead would be good and it is.' The former President added that she was 'so pleased' for Ryan in the next chapter of his life. Mary joined RTÉ as a journalist and presenter in 1979, departing the broadcaster in 1985.
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Mary McAleese speaks to Ryan Tubridy about presidential race and why long campaigns are 'miserable'
Former President Mary McAleese said that Ireland's next presidential race should be rigorous and demanding but must avoid personal attacks between candidates. McAleese spoke to Ryan Tubridy in an extended interview for the final episode of Season 3 of The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy. Advertisement She told Ryan that presidential campaigns should not be unnecessarily long. 'They're right [about] making a short campaign' she said of rumoured candidates who have not yet announced their intentions. 'If its going to be miserable, don't extend it.' She explained that shorter campaigns are just about 'getting] to know the person and testing them deeply.' McAleese said that presidential elections are unique because 'it's about the person, you're not a policymaker. It's a moral and a pastoral space, not a political space.' Ahead of the upcoming election, she told Ryan its important to 'let journalists and the people throw everything at you. You're going to be there for seven years and you're the primary ambassador of the country. People have to know. It's a rigorous interrogation, and if it's not rigorous, how do you know what they'll be like under stress?' Advertisement However, McAleese warned against turning that scrutiny towards other candidates. 'What you should never do is be the interviewer of the others (other candidates),' she said. Personal attacks between the candidates, I think that is utterly unacceptable.' McAleese shared that during her 1997 campaign one opponent made false claims that placed her family in danger. 'It was mean-spirited and agenda-driven,' she said. Entertainment Brad Pitt says he needed 'rebooting' and looked fo... Read More During the interview, McAleese congratulated Ryan on his recent engagement to Dr Clare Kambamettu. She spoke at length about growing up in Ardoyne during the Troubles - sharing stories of attacks on family members, the murder of friends on her wedding day, and the bombing of her father's pub. She spoke about the Omagh bombing in 1998 and how it was the lowest point in her presidency, and hosting the Special Olympics was the highlight, saying that the Opening Ceremony was 'absolutely surreal.' McAleese also spoke to Ryan about the experiences she had while working in RTÉ that led her to quit. You can listen to the interview here.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I felt and feel lucky', says Ryan Tubridy as he reveals romantic way he popped the question to fiance Clare
RYAN Tubridy has revealed the romantic way he popped the question to his fiance Dr Clare Kambamettu. The 2 Ryan Tubridy proposed to his long-term partner Clare during a romantic getaway Credit: Terrie Burton Noir Photique 2 The radio host has opened up about the proposal Credit: Getty Images - Getty The pair have since kept the inner details of their love under wraps and while Ryan hadn't planned on revealing the news just yet, he was forced to come clean after a jewellers let it slip that he had visited their store. The radio host, who shared the news with his listeners on Tuesday, has now revealed how he carefully planned the romantic proposal to his long-term partner. Writing in his Mail on Sunday column, he said: "I don't want to give all the details but I do want to share a few moments because some people were enormously helpful along the way." READ MORE ON RYAN TUBRIDY Ryan explained that he had always planned to buy the ring in Clifden, an area which him and Clare both love and where the local jewellers has been a long-standing family run business. He explained: "I've also been preaching about shopping local for years so I wasn't going to Tiffany's… I called Jonty Daly in O'Dalaigh's and asked for some guidance and I can tell you, the man's a diamond!" The podcaster then went on to say: "The care, attention and thought he put into every detail was above and beyond, right down to him driving out to Renvyle House Hotel to deliver the 'package' to Anne Marie Kelly, the incomparable general manager there. It was all so much fun and it felt distinctly Irish." Ryan has often spoken about his love for the West Coast of Ireland, and this proposal showed just how much the area means to the pair. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN He said: "By the Atlantic shore, I asked the important question and thankfully, the answer was in the affirmative – and so began the most gorgeous weekend." The 52-year-old revealed that the "staff and joyful hotel patrons" helped make each part "feel special". Donncha O'Callaghan has Ryan Tubridy in stitches He added: "We called into Jonty the next day to thank him and his staff; there was a little confusion about online stories but that was entirely at my end. Jonty did not let the cat out of the bag, it was an innocent miscommunication and we're all firm friends. "In fact, he joined us at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel that evening where my cousin Brian Hughes and his amazing wife, Michelle, raised a few glasses with another cousin, Rachael Coyle and her brilliant husband, Shane. "Another lovely night was had that ended with songs at the piano! After that, it was Scrabble, cycling and sleeping before boarding a plane in Shannon and heading to the skies a different man with a whole new vista ahead. I felt and feel lucky, happy and ready for another welcome twist in the tale." Earlier this week, the dad-of-two told his Virgin Radio UK listeners: "I have a little bit of news that I was kind of keeping a little bit to myself - to ourselves. "Even though I'm a public person doing the job I do, I also have quite a lot of privacy that I like to keep to myself. HAPPY COUPLE "However, the cat has been removed from the bag for a number of reasons and I'm very, very, very happy to confirm that I did indeed get engaged to my partner Clare on Thursday evening in the West of Ireland." Speaking about his longterm love, Tubs previously told The Irish Sun: "She has brought an awful lot of joy into my life and happiness and support. "I don't want to talk too much about her, because my private life has always stayed private. "But I think anyone who has met or knows Clare will know exactly why we are seeing each other. I feel very lucky." Asked at the time if the clinical psychologist, who he first interviewed on his RTE Radio One show in March 2023, had been a major support during the last six months. Tubs replied: "Remarkably so."
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ryan Tubridy opens up about romantic proposal to Dr Clare Kambamettu
Ex-RTE star Ryan Tubridy has shared the details of his romantic proposal to his long-term girlfriend, Dr Clare Kambamettu. The radio presenter and podcast host popped the question last week, informing his listeners on Tuesday about the wonderful news. Now, he has shared the details of where he got down on one knee, as well as how he chose the perfect ring. After a trip to Japan, the Virgin Radio host flew back to Ireland to prepare for what he called a "life-changing" experience. "I don't want to give all the details but I do want to share a few moments because some people were enormously helpful along the way," he said. "Firstly, I knew I wanted to buy the ring in Clifden where the local jewellery shop has been a beautiful and important family concern for decades, and both myself and Clare love the area. "I've also been preaching about shopping local for years so I wasn't going to Tiffany's… I called Jonty Daly in O'Dalaigh's and asked for some guidance and I can tell you, the man's a diamond!" Writing in his Mail on Sunday column, the father-of-two added: "The care, attention and thought he put into every detail was above and beyond, right down to him driving out to Renvyle House Hotel to deliver the 'package' to Anne Marie Kelly, the incomparable general manager there. It was all so much fun and it felt distinctly Irish." Ryan has spoken many times about his love for the west coast of Ireland, so it's only fitting that the couple had their special moment there. "By the Atlantic shore, I asked the important question and thankfully, the answer was in the affirmative – and so began the most gorgeous weekend," he said. Tubridy also cleared up confusion that the jewellers had accidentally announced his engagement. "The staff and joyful hotel patrons helped make it all feel special. We called into Jonty the next day to thank him and his staff; there was a little confusion about online stories but that was entirely at my end. Jonty did not let the cat out of the bag, it was an innocent miscommunication and we're all firm friends. "In fact, he joined us at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel that evening where my cousin Brian Hughes and his amazing wife, Michelle, raised a few glasses with another cousin, Rachael Coyle and her brilliant husband, Shane. "Another lovely night was had that ended with songs at the piano! After that, it was Scrabble, cycling and sleeping before boarding a plane in Shannon and heading to the skies a different man with a whole new vista ahead. I felt and feel lucky, happy and ready for another welcome twist in the tale."
