Drury quits as RTÉ chair over Ryder Cup role

The chairman of the RTÉ Authority, Fintan Drury, resigned the position tonight.

Mr Drury tendered his resignation to the Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey earlier today over a potential conflict of interest between his role in the State broadcaster and his advisory role to Ryder Cup Ltd and the European Tour.

The Government is attempting to make this year's Ryder Cup a free-to-air event for Irish television viewers. The tournament takes place at Kildare's K Club in September, but will only be available on Sky Sports.

In a statement, Mr Dempsey said: "The Chairman and I discussed this matter some weeks back and he indicated he was confident no conflict would arise.

"However, Mr. Drury now believes this is no longer the case because there is now political debate about challenging the contractual position of Ryder Cup Ltd, and Sky.

"In such circumstances he has a professional and contractual commitment to protect the position of Ryder Cup Ltd, and he believes that this would not be compatible with his role as Chairman of the RTÉ Authority.

Mr Dempsey said he regretted the move but said it was "the proper and honourable course" for Mr Drury to have taken.