Gareth O'Callaghan: RTÉ puppetry lives on — but who is pulling the strings?

Little has changed over 40 years in how RTÉ spends money, so why should the public now expect anything new, asks Gareth O'Callaghan

Presenter Ryan Tubridy, right, leaving at the Dáil with his agent Noel Kelly after giving evidence at a Public Accounts Committee meeting in July 2023 in relation to his pay issues. Picture: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Back in the 90s, when Zig and Zag seemed as popular as Gay Byrne, I felt both honoured and nervous to be invited onto Dempsey’s Den one afternoon to be interviewed by the wiley pair. A researcher on the show advised me to leave any sensitivities outside the door.

They quizzed me for 20 minutes, cajoling and embarrassing me in an endearing way. As I left, one of them patted me on the back and thanked me.