RTÉ suspends 2fm presenter

RTÉ said today it has suspended presenter Baz Ashmawy without pay for one month following a drink-driving incident last weekend.

The 2fm presenter, who co-hosts a weekend breakfast show with Lucy Kennedy, was reportedly arrested after he was involved in a car crash in Dublin last weekend.

In a statement the broadcaster said it took the issue of drink-driving "very seriously" and that given the age profile of 2fm's listeners, could not ignore the incident.

"We are relieved that the incident in question was a relatively minor one and unlike many more serious car crashes every year where lives are lost, thankfully, no-one was injured on this occasion.

RTÉ said Ashmawy, who shot to fame after appearing in the television show How Low Can You Go?, had apologised for the incident and did not plan to contest any charges that may be brought against him in relation to it.

"RTÉ Radio has decided to suspend Mr Ashmawy without pay for a period of one month. We believe this suspension is warranted to highlight the unacceptable nature of drink driving and the high profile nature of Mr Ashmawy's position on 2fm."

"As the events in question took place during personal time while he was not working for RTÉ and given his full acceptance of responsibility, we hope this suspension and whatever the outcome of any court proceedings will serve to highlight the issues involved and will act as a deterrent to others in the future," the broadcaster added.