Testy exchanges as Louth TD questions Ryan Tubridy

There were testy exchanges between Louth Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick and Ryan Tubridy at Tuesday’s Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media.

Mr Tubridy was before the Committee alongside his agent Noel Kelly to answer questions regarding payments made to him as part of a contentious deal at the centre of the controversy that has engulfed RTE.

In his opening statement made before the Public Accounts Committee that morning Mr Tubridy had thanked “the many people from across the country who have taken time to stop me on the street, decent Irish citizens who have taken my shoulder and elbow in their hands and said, "You will get through this." I have cards and letters, nearly a foot off the ground, from people who have written to "Ryan Tubridy, Dublin".”

However, apparently taking issue with the comments, while asking questions of Mr Tubridy, Deputy Fitzpatrick contended that:

“I do not know who all these people are who are rubbing his shoulders and shaking his hand, because if he came to County Louth, it would be the opposite.”

The Louth TD further asked Mr Tubridy if his leaving "The Late Late Show" had nothing to do with the controversy and if he stuck by his statement that  “the timing was entirely a coincidence and that he first became aware of the Grant Thornton review in May.” 

Mr Tubridy replied, “Yes,” adding: “The Deputy's dismissal of the good people of Ireland who have the courtesy and kindness to approach me in the street is not something I appreciate, on their behalf.”

“They have approached me too,” interjected Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Mr Tubridy continued: “Second, I wish I had brought with me, in some ways, the countless cards and letters I have received from people around the country, speaking words of kindness and, indeed, wisdom. I would not like to dismiss their decency either.”

Later on in the exchange Deputy Fitzpatrick questioned Mr Tubridy’s agent Noel Kelly on an invoice labelled “consultancy fees” sent to Uk based company ASTUS to collect a fee of 75k which Renault had agreed to pay Mr Tubridy but was guaranteed by RTE.

Deputy Fitzpatrick put it to him that: “In respect of the consultancy fee invoices, Mr. Kelly simply followed instructions?”

Mr Kelly answered: “Yes.”

The Louth TD continued: “Mr. Kelly is a very successful negotiator and works for three members of the top talent at RTÉ. Why was this instruction not questioned? Neither of the witnesses are consultancies. If RTÉ told Mr. Kelly to invoice a company he had never heard of, why did he not question it? It makes no sense.”

In response Mr.Kelly responded that: “I suppose it is obvious now, but at the time we were just acting under instruction. We had been working with RTÉ for 23 years. I never saw any reason RTÉ would do anything deceptive. Why would I? It is the national broadcaster. I listen and watch and pay my licence fee like everybody else. Honestly, why would I have doubted it?”

The Louth TD finished by stating that people were very disappointed with Mr. Tubridy but commended both men for coming to the Committee voluntarily.

“People just want to know the truth about what happened over this. 

“Last week and the week before we seem to have been told lies,” he claimed.

“I am hoping the information we received today from both the witnesses is the truth. If it is the truth then we would all put our hands up.

“It is public money. People are really sad over this. Mr. Tubridy is the one who kept mentioning the cost of living.”

“I have not changed how I felt. I love the Deputy's county very much, by the way,” responded Mr Tubridy.

“Mr. Tubridy has said how he feels. There are millions of people in Ireland who feel worse,” replied Deputy Fitzpatrick.

“Yes, I understand,” said Mr Tubridy.