President leads tributes to broadcaster

REACTION:THE PRESIDENT has led tributes to RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan. Mary McAleese said he was an extraordinarily talented broadcaster whose unique communication skills and larger-than-life persona entertained and enlivened his audience over many years.

“His untimely death will be widely mourned, by his fellow colleagues at RTÉ and his many fans, but most especially by his family and friends who are in my thoughts and prayers,” she said.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the presenter’s death.

He said Ryan was “informed and intelligent, forthright and articulate” as a broadcaster. “As a man, he was generous, famously irreverent and witty. I had had the pleasure of meeting him many times, both in front of and away from the microphone. He was always engaging company and a man of considerable charm.”

Green Party leader and Minister for the Environment John Gormley said he was shocked at the news. “Gerry’s ability as a broadcaster to take both the serious and light-hearted stories was second to none,” he said. “His good humour concealed a keen intellect and a commitment to straight journalism – he was a fair and accurate commentator.”

Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan said he was “very saddened” to hear of the death of Ryan, whom he described as “an exuberant, intelligent broadcaster who always entertained”.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he learned of Ryan’s death with “deep shock and regret” and extended his condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Ryan was “a giant of Irish broadcasting”.