Today FM boss Peter McPartlin has admitted he tried to stop Ray D’Arcy from leaving the station.
The presenter shocked everyone before Christmas when he announced he was leaving the radio station and switching to RTE Radio 1 after 15 years.
“It’d be unfair to say we didn’t ask him to stay because we absolutely did,” Peter said.
“Ray is a really good broadcaster and we were sorry to see him go but it was clear he wanted to do something different.
Shock: Peter says he was surprised when Ray left
“TV was certainly one of the big attractions in going to RTE,” he told the Irish Mirror.
“From what we understand, the new head of TV was a big influence in Ray moving. It was a huge shock and I’d say even
RTE were probably surprised in the end he did actually move.
“But, like all these things, it creates an opportunity and the thing now is to make the most of that.”
No bad blood: Peter doesn’t hold a grudge
“It was very surprising given the show and Ray himself had so much freedom,” he continued.
“But I wouldn’t hold it against him in any shape or form.”
