Niall Boylan to step down from radio ahead of European Parliament run

Niall Boylan is to stand down as a late night presenter on Classic Hits FM as he is to run for election in this year's European elections "with immediate effect".

The broadcaster has announced he will contest this year's European Parliament elections as a candidate for newly founded party Independent Ireland.

In a statement broadcast shortly after 9pm on the Nighttime Talks show on Classic Hits FM, the station's chief executive Kevin Brannigan said that "it has been decided that Niall will stand down as presenter of Nighttime Talks with immediate effect."

"As one of the largest commercial radio stations in the country, we have a responsibility to be fair to all candidates," Mr Brannigan said.

He went on to say he admired Niall "for having the courage of his convictions and putting himself forward like this", and wished him "the very best in his bid"

Mr Boylanto stand as a candidate in the four seat Dublin constituency, and was registered on the list of candidates this Monday, April 22.

He appeared on air as a guest this Tuesday night, with Gareth O'Callaghan taking over as host.

Though not able to discuss political matters, in the interest of fairness, Niall spoke instead about his reasons for leaving radio for politics.

"I feel like that particularly the Nighttime Talk is like a big family," he said.

"It's like a family and I feel like I'm leaving them or abandoning them or something. But I want to let them know that I'm not abandoning them, what I want to do is I want to make a difference in their lives," he continued.