'I understand why people were angry at RTE and refused to pay TV licence..

Presenter has no regrets at taking on role

- KATIE GALLAGHER

PATRICK Kielty said he can understand the anger behind people refusing to pay for TV licences amid the RTE payments scandal.

However, he added he has had no second thoughts about taking on the Late Late Show gig and feels the show's return will remind people about the importance of public service broadcasting.

Just days before he is due to make his debut on the chat-show this Friday, Kielty, 52, said: "I understand the anger behind why people won't pay their TV licence fee but when all this stuff dies down, the value of public service broadcasting will endure."