Taoiseach defends going on Ryan Tubridy's podcast as he hits out at 'witch hunt'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has defended taking part in former RTÉ broadcaster Ryan Tubridy's podcast, as he said he will not join in a 'witch hunt' of the star.
At an Oireachtas Media Committee meeting on Wednesday, RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst confirmed that Mr Tubridy never returned €150,000 that he said he would give back to RTÉ during the financial scandal.
In 2023, it emerged that his salary was undeclared by €345,000 over a three-year period due to a 'tripartite agreement' between Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly, RTÉ and Renault.
The 'side deal' saw RTÉ underwrite a €75,000-a-year commercial deal with Renault. While Renault paid Mr Tubridy for year one, RTÉ ended up giving Mr Tubridy €150,000. Mr Tubridy had committed to giving the money back but has never done so.
The Taoiseach took part in the podcast, The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy, last month.
When asked if it was appropriate to take part in this and if Mr Tubridy should give the €150,000 back, Mr Martin said he would have to refresh his memory on the €150,000 element of the scandal.
The Taoiseach said: 'I find it extraordinary if you're saying I shouldn't participate in podcasts or if somebody is suggesting that.
'We live in a democracy. Ryan Tubridy has to deal with RTÉ and RTÉ has to deal with Ryan Tubridy.
'There's been lots of journalists and broadcasters who have all sorts of sponsorship deals that didn't begin today or yesterday.
'I think we're moving a bit… Irish society has always tolerated free debate and people have podcasts and so on like that.
'I would participate on podcasts who I think are reasonable, the people are reasonable on them.
'I think it is going a bit too far to suggest people are somehow wrong to participate in podcasts.'
When asked about Mr Bakhurst's comments at the Media Committee saying he would like if Mr Tubridy gave the money back, the Taoiseach said he would not get involved in a 'witch hunt'.
He continued: 'Many broadcasters have had sponsorship deals.
'RTÉ tolerated that for a long time. I'm not going to get into the ins and outs of any particular arrangements between RTÉ broadcasters, former broadcasters. I'm not going to go along with that.
'I didn't hear the hearing. I'm not going to join any witch hunt on any individual.
''I'm not aware of the specifics here. When I say witch hunt, I think there has been an element of a witch hunt in all of this over the last few years.
'I'n not going to go like that and just join any sort of attack on any individual. That's what I'm simply saying.'

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