Ivan Yates: 'my comfort was in the bottom of a glass' during bankruptcy

Ivan Yates says he now wants to restart his life after being discharged from bankruptcy.

The former Government Minister has spoken for the first time after returning to Ireland at the weekend.

On Newstalk's Pat Kenny show, he criticised Allied Irish Banks for pursuing him, saying the only people they have taken bankruptcy proceedings against are him and his wife Deirdre.

The broadcaster also said the 16 months in Wales were incredibly tough, and he even wished he was dead on two occasions.

"I've come back from a harrowing 16 months of desolation, isolation - self-inflicted - my comfort was in the bottom of a glass," he said.

"I had no-one to speak to over there, I'd no friends. I'd Skype Deirdre every night. I just want to restart my life- there's time for all those public policy issues later."

The broadcaster has re-joined Newstalk radio and will be a part of the station's breakfast show from Wednesday September 4.