RYAN OFF AIR SHOCK..

RTE boss says no plans for star's return. Bakhurst claims trust has been broken. Montrose riled by response to report

- SANDRA MALLON

RYAN Tubridy will not be returning to RTE after a row broke out with the broadcaster and station.

Director General Kevin Bakhurst announced last night the star - who has been off air since June 22 - will not return to his radio show after "trust between the parties" broke down.

In a statement last night, he said they went into negotiations in "good faith and despite agreeing to new pay, hours and duration, the trust was no longer there between the parties because of "public statements that were made without consultation".

Mr Bakhurst added: "We went into negotiations with Ryan in good faith and in the hope of reaching an agreement that would see him return to his RTE Radio 1 show.

"I have decided not to continue with negotiations and, as such, there are no plans for Ryan to return to his presenting role with RTE at this time."

0n Wednesday, Tubridy welcomed the second Grant Thornton report which confirmed he and his agent Noel Kelly of his NK Management had no hand in the understatement salary over the last five years.

It found a plausible explanation for the €120,000 under-declaration of Tubridy's earnings in 2017, 2018 and 2019 was RTE's objective to achieve a position where his annual earnings were below €500,000.