Bakhurst determined to cling on to DG post
A DEFIANT Kevin Bakhurst has indicated that he will remain on as Director-general of RTE after Siun Ni Raghallaigh’s “unsettling” resignation.
The lunchtime communication, seen by the Irish Mirror, was sent following a tumultuous morning at the national broadcaster.
Media Minister Catherine Martin told RTE’S Prime Time on Thursday evening that Ms Ni Raghallaigh “misinformed” her twice about the board having no role in the sign-off of former Chief Financial Officer Richard Collins’ exit package when he left the national broadcaster in October.
It was confirmed to Department officials on Thursday morning that the Remuneration Committee, chaired by Ms Ni Raghallaigh, had approved the package.
In a statement shortly before 1am yesterday, Ms Ni Raghallaigh confirmed she had resigned from her position as chair of the RTE board as she believed she no longer had the confidence of the Minister.
In an email to RTE staff, Mr Bakhurst said that he was “intent on moving forward”.
“Siun’s decision to resign as the Chair of the Board of RTE last night is understandably unsettling for all of us,” he said.
“Siun was an excellent Chair and a great support to me throughout these incredibly challenging times. As I said last night, Siun believed in RTE, and its future, and she will be sorely missed.
“I want to reassure you that I also believe in RTE, and our collective future.
“My role, now more than ever, is to bring stability to the very regrettable chaos that continues to threaten all attempts to move forward.
“But I and the Interim Leadership Team are intent on moving forward, with you.
“We remain committed to RTE and to continuing to drive the necessary change to secure the future of this organisation and transform it into a national public service media organisation we can all be proud of.
“No matter what events overtake the headlines in the short term, please know that I remain absolutely focused on our shared longterm mission to secure the future of RTE and public service broadcasting in Ireland.
“Throughout these unsettling events, you keep the show on the road.
“I want to convey my personal and sincere gratitude to you all.”
In a statement yesterday, RTE told the Irish Mirror that there was “confusion” earlier this week at a meeting that occurred between Ms Ni Rallaghaigh and Minister Martin.
My role, now more than ever, is to bring stability to the chaos KEVIN BAKHURST IN EMAIL TO RTE STAFF