RTE needs some new younger faces

As a retired public servant, I find it troubling that RTÉ, who in these difficult times cover such topics as unemployment and emigration in their programming, yet have no difficulty in retaining the same broadcasters for decades — some are now in their 70s and predominantly male.

While I appreciate these individuals’ excellent contribution to broadcasting over the years, I wonder how RTÉ can justify their employment. Take the following, Johnny Giles (71), Gay Byrne (78), Eamonn Dunphy (67) and even Bill O’Herlihy (73) who seemed to be on our screens all summer.

Anne Doyle, who I consider as one of RTÉ’s best ambassadors, left our screens with elegance and dignity at the age of 60, and I would happily have tuned in to watch her for another few years. While it was Ms Doyle’s personal choice to leave the station. I cannot name one female presenter over the age of 55 — is there a secret memo circling in Montrose?