Martina due to report for her new role
RTÉ journalist Martina Fitzgerald is due to report for her new role in the newsroom today, following her surprise replacement as the station’s political correspondent last week.
However, sources have speculated she may opt instead to take some annual leave.
It comes following a wave of criticism of the move from politicians, with former Fianna Fáil cabinet minister Mary O’Rourke suggesting ‘jealousy’ over the success of her recent book, Madam Politician, may have played a role in her effective demotion. Senior RTÉ political staff member Paul Cunningham has been appointed in her place.
In a face-to-face discussion last Thursday at Montrose – in which Ms Fitzgerald was told she was being replaced by Mr Cunningham – she was asked to present herself at the newsroom today, to be reassigned to general tasks.
The Irish Daily Mail understands Ms Fitzgerald has consulted her lawyers about her next move, with some colleagues, mostly women, believing her treatment was unjust.
They described Ms Fitzgerald as being ‘devastated’. They also said they believe her outspoken views on female equality and gender pay gaps at RTÉ played a role in the move. A high-profile onscreen presenter said ‘powerful’ male figures at RTÉ ‘never wanted to see a woman in that job’.
Ms Fitzgerald recently authored a bestselling book about the problems faced by women in the political workplace. RTÉ insists Ms Fitzgerald, 46, has been legitimately replaced as a result of an open competition. But there has been a strong backlash – particularly from female politicians.
Junior Education Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor suggested Ms Fitzgerald had been ‘taken out’. Fianna Fáil’s Lisa Chambers said it was a ‘retrograde step’. Meanwhile, interviewees for her book told the Irish Mail on Sunday of their shock at the move.
Former minister Mary O’Rourke speculated that ‘jealousy’ over the success of her book may have played a role in the move. ‘You will find [RTÉ] have themselves covered in employment law,’ she said. It is understood the National Union of Journalists, during a financial crisis at RTÉ, agreed to the re-interview of personnel for correspondent posts after five years. When contacted by the Mail yesterday, RTÉ declined further comment and cited employee privacy issues.