Tubridy did not want to ’cause difficulty’ for RTE with statement, sources say

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ryan Tubridy tried to explain to the Irish national broadcaster that he did not intend to “cause difficulty” for RTE when he made a contentious statement about a highly-anticipated report into his earnings, which ultimately led to his axing from the station, sources close to the presenter said. On Thursday, RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst said he had made the decision that Mr Tubridy would not return to his radio programme because trust had “broken down” in the wake of the former presenter’s statement. Asked why the decision had been taken to end the talks, Mr Bakhurst said he did not believe that Mr Tubridy, formerly RTE’s highest-paid star, had “owned his mistakes” in relation to RTE’s under-declaration of the presenter’s salary. Mr Bakhurst said that it had been agreed that Mr Tubridy would return to his weekly RTE Radio show on a 170,000 euro fee, while also presenting a new podcast series.