Revolving door at RTE not designed for failed politicians - Kelly

It appears that George Lee is about to step straight back into a plum job in RTE after just eight months as a politician and this can hardly be acceptable, according to Fianna Fail TD for Longford, Peter Kelly.

Deputy Kelly, Vice-Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, said : “The former Fine Gael TD has quit politics and has indicated that he is to return to a big job in RTE. I find this completely unbelievable, particularly in the current economic climate.”

“Few other people have the freedom to leave their job, try something new, and then come back to their job if they simply become disillusioned and decide that their new venture is not for them.”

“The system whereby other people like teachers, barristers, etc return to their jobs after their time on a career break is over is well established and there are good reasons for it.

"But it is different with RTE. They are supposed to be imparting the news in an independent, dispassionate and detached fashion. To have a revolving door as seems to be the case for some individuals is hardly right.

“If people leave RTE to enter politics they should not be able to flit back in the door if they cannot cope,” concluded Deputy Kelly.