THE SIX ONE SHOWDOWN

IT’S the end of an era – in the RTÉ newsroom anyway – as Bryan Dobson swaps his early evening prime time television slot for a role in Ireland’s most listened to radio show, Morning Ireland.

After 21 years at the helm of the Six One news, Dobbo will be hard to replace. And while his long-time side-kick, Sharon Ní Bheoláin, must be surely sad to see him go, it’s likely she’s also excited, if a little nervous, that there’s finally a major shake-up in the Montrose news studio.

So who will be her new partner? Who will share the load of imparting to the nation the daily mix of political and current affairs? Who will she raise an eyebrow to, or shoot a wry grin at when the reports turn to lighter subjects?

Betting giants, Paddy Power, of course has its list of who is most likely to get the gig, according to their punters’ bets. At the top are Claire Byrne and Ray Kennedy. But RTÉ insiders are heavily leaning towards Keelin Shanley, who, once Richard Crowley returns to the fold, will be available for a steady number.

So far RTÉ are remaining tightlipped about who will greet viewers with the day’s most important events as families gather for tea every evening. But it’s worth taking a look at all options available, their experience and possibly most importantly, their compatibility with the popular and well-established co-anchor, Ní Bheoláin.