Ivan Yates confirms Newstalk exit

Breakfast presenter Ivan Yates has confirmed he is to leave Newstalk as of July 1, but denied that the move relates to his wife’s financial difficulties.

The station said that the former agriculture minister is also stepping down from his role as a presenter on TV3 and as a columnist with the Irish Independent. It said the move was for personal reasons.

A statement on his own behalf said Mr Yates had told Newstalk of his plans in March 2015 and that he was taking a year’s sabbatical.