The Late Late - The best of luck Ryan

THERE probably was sex in Ireland before the Late Late Show but it there was, and it remains unconfirmed, it was of the mysterious and secretive kind.

Our sexual proclivities no longer remain a mystery and the original Late Late presenter, the peerless Gay Byrne, did more than most to make this a society where it became permissible to discuss any issue no matter how intimate. Through these discussions came social evolution and a healthy degree of transparency.

In doing so Byrne established one of the proudest traditions in national broadcasting and left a legacy that should be treated with respect and determination.

That is why Ryan Tubridy’s appointment to the Late Late chair is much more than a bit of entertainment industry small change.

Tubridy has the talent, the wit and the intellectual presence to make this flagship programme again mandatory viewing for anyone interested in how this country considers itself. These are hugely challenging times for RTÉ and the organisation will not retain the degree of independence vital to a national public service broadcasting organisation unless broadcasters like Ryan Tubridy are encouraged and supported.

Let us all wish him and his team well.