Ryan Tubridy in his own words: ‘Yes, the salary is enormous... but that doesn’t affect my soul’

“I have become the face of a national scandal, I’ve been accused of being complicit, deceitful and dishonest.” – Tubridy directs his fire on RTÉ in his opening address to the Public Accounts Committee

“I could be out of a job by Friday.” – Tubridy, under questioning from TD Alan Dillon (FG), outlines his current prospects of returning to the airwaves

“I will be here until the last dog barks until you believe me that that decision came from my heart and soul. The kernel of that decision is [from] last August... this was a very personal decision.” – Tubridy explains his decision to leave The Late Late Show, denying any suggestion his departure was linked to the current – in his own words – “fiasco”

“My name has been desperately sullied. I am deeply upset. I’m hurt. I am in – it’s hard to leave the house, if you really want me to be honest about it.” – Tubridy speaks further about the impact recent events have had on him

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“I don’t have any doubt – I want to go back to work on the radio as soon as possible. I don’t say that with any arrogance. I just express desire. It’s what I do, it’s what I know. And I want to get back to my team and the listeners.” – Tubridy, when asked what he wished to do next

“My relationship with the children of Ireland is so important to me. I know that sounds grandiose, but actually, it is. I want them to be happy and hopeful and proud to be Irish and read lots of books and just be wonderful young people. That doesn’t change.” – Dubbed “The Toyman” by TD Cormac Devlin (FF), Tubridy speaks of the relationship that grew from his hosting The Late Late Toy Show

“If they’re not called upon, obviously money gets transferred back.” – Tubridy commits to returning money already paid to him for his work with Renault, if the car manufacture opts not to ask the broadcaster to honour six outstanding “roadshow” appearances

“It’s been a very difficult three weeks, and I know life is hard for a lot of people in Ireland, I’m not trying to be more special than anyone else, but when you’re publicly cancelled like I have been, it’s not easy.” – Tubridy describes being the centre of the RTÉ story

“Your dismissal of the people of Ireland, who have the courtesy and kindness to approach me on the street, is not something I appreciate.” – Tubridy takes issue with Peter Fitzpatrick after the Independent TD expressed scepticism about the public’s support for the broadcaster

“With respect, deputy, I would also urge you not to conflate somebody being well paid and somebody who might not have a conscience.” – Responding to TD Imelda Munster (SF), Tubridy tells the committee his salary doesn’t affect his ability to feel empathy

“Yes, the salary is enormous, I understand that, but that doesn’t affect my soul.” - Tubridy in response to question on whether his integrity has been damaged by the controversy