Vincent Browne to leave `Prime Time'

The presenter Vincent Browne is leaving Prime Time to work on other projects in RTE. His departure follows a series of disagreements between Mr Browne and management at RTE's flagship current affairs programme regarding the content and direction of the show.

Mr Browne spent yesterday in negotiations with senior RTE management about his future in the station. While a number of possible projects on radio and television were discussed, these have not been finalised.

Mr Browne, formerly the presenter of RTE Radio's Tonight With Vincent Browne, joined Prime Time last May. His contract runs for a year. Negotiations on a new contract were supposed to have been completed by today, when the final three months of his contract begin.

RTE is keen for Mr Browne, who is also an Irish Times columnist, to return to radio. One possibility is that he might present a lunchtime show each Saturday. However, it is not clear whether Mr Browne favours this. Another project mooted for Mr Browne is a series of television programmes on Mr Charles Haughey. However, he is believed to be unenthusiastic about this proposal. A second, unspecified television project is also under discussion.

Last night Mr Browne confirmed he was engaged in discussions with RTE about a new contract. He declined to comment further.

An RTE spokesman said: "We're in discussions with Vincent Browne, as with a number of presenters, regarding their future relationship with RTE television and radio."

Last autumn Mr Browne clashed with the senior editor of Prime Time, Mr Gary Agnew, over a number of issues. He sent a document to Mr Agnew outlining what he felt were shortcomings in the programme and expressing dissatisfaction with his role.

Mr Agnew could not be contacted for comment last night.