Mick Clifford: RTÉ Oireachtas hearings were a mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly

Some committee members asked pertinent questions but others used the hearings as a platform for grandstanding and some would-be inquisitors were bang out of order

Ryan Tubridy was, to the greatest extent, able to name his price. But the power relationship has pivoted and now all the power rests with RTÉ, and specifically its new director general, Kevin Bakhurst, pictured here meeting Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh and other RTÉ staff. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

Three weeks is a long time in the life of The Talent.

Less than a month ago, Ryan Tubridy was kicking back, facing the first summer of his post- Late Late Show career. He had plans for various projects in RTÉ that would see him explore his interests in history. His celebrity wattage was burning as bright as ever.