Dunphy takes on Morning Ireland heavy-weights

HAVING failed to undermine RTÉ's TV chat show foundation, controversial broadcaster Eamon Dunphy is setting his sights on early morning radio.

Dublin radio station Newstalk has offered Dunphy €15,000 a week to break RTÉ's early morning radio monopoly.

Dunphy will be trying to steal the audience of RTÉ's old school, including David Hanly, Áine Lawlor and Marion Finucane.

The deal is a make or break situation for the struggling radio station which has failed to generate any sizeable audience.

The Dunphy deal is considerably more than his earnings while presenting The Last Word on Today FM.

The €15,000 per week is on a par with the take home pay of RTÉ's Pat Kenny and Gerry Ryan.

Dunphy’s working day will begin between 4.30-5am five mornings each week.

Dunphy recently signed the contract with Newstalk 106 to go head to head on the breakfast show with RTÉ's Morning Ireland heavy hitters.

He is expected to start broadcasting in early September.

Earlier this year Newstalk reported accumulated losses of €3.8 million in accounts lodged with the Companies’ Office.

The accounts for 2002 showed the station's losses rising from €423,836 to €3.8 million.

Entrepreneur Mr Denis O'Brien holds 57 per cent of the equity.