Kenny takes €85,000 pay cut
Decision by RTE's highest earner puts pressure on Tubridy and Ryan
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Ryan Tubridy: High earner Photo: Getty Images
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By Brendan Farrelly and Jason O'Brien
Tuesday Feb 3 2009
RTE's biggest earner Pat Kenny last night joined the growing list of top stars who have agreed to take a 10pc pay cut.
His decision to follow the leads of Eamon Dunphy, Marian Finucane, Miriam O'Callaghan, Joe Duffy and Derek Mooney will increase the pressure on Gerry Ryan and Ryan Tubridy to follow suit.
Mr Tubridy yesterday revealed he is to make a donation to charity but said that taking a pay cut is not an option for him for legal reasons.
Mr Kenny's statement, which came late last night, revealed his willingness to accept a 10pc pay cut for 2009, which will cost him at least €85,000.
In a statement, he said: "Everyone has a responsibility to accept the financial challenges facing the State and . . . I am pleased to play my part.
"I have a privileged position within RTE and I am fortunate to have been presented with this choice.
"My negotiations with RTE on a new radio and television contract were concluded within the last few weeks.
"It was . . . indicated to me at that time that a contribution from my company to cost-saving efforts might be sought.
"I indicated at that time that I would not be found wanting if such a request was made."
Mr Kenny said that he would have no further comment.
Earlier, Ryan Tubridy had released a statement insisting he could not take a pay cut for legal reasons. He was paid €346,667 in 2006 by RTE.
"Due to personal, legal reasons, I have been advised that a pay cut is not an option for me at this time," he said in a statement.
"Despite this, I am making a significant donation to St Vincent de Paul, a charity that could probably do with our help now more than ever."
Mr Tubridy, who has two young daughters and who separated from his wife Anne Marie Power in 2006, was unavailable for comment last night.
Gerry Ryan, who pulls in almost €600,000 has not given in to pressure to take a pay cut.
Last night a spokesperson for RTE said they had no comment on Mr Kenny's decision, adding: "We don't comment on individual matters."
- Brendan Farrelly and Jason O'Brien
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