Bird flies the nest after 38 years

Iconic RTÉ reporter Charlie Bird has announced his retirement after 38 years on the airwaves — but insists he wants “new challenges” in an apparent push for bids from rival stations.

The star, who rose to prominence in the 1980s but divided opinion in his final RTÉ years, will sign off after his guest-presenter spot on the Marian Finucane Show tomorrow.

This means the 62-year-old’s retirement package will be based on his estimated six-figure salary before the latest pay cuts were implemented at the station.