Statement on the death of Gay Byrne

Commenting on the announcement today of the death of veteran RTÉ broadcaster, Gay Byrne, Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin, said:

“I’m really saddened to hear of the passing of Gay Byrne today, and on behalf of the Labour Party I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Gay’s family, friends and colleagues at RTÉ.

“Throughout his long career, Gay Byrne defined and shaped a modernising Ireland and set the bar for many broadcasters to follow.

“His history-making Late Late show was the centrepiece of Irish television for many years, and his daily radio programme followed the heartbeat of the nation.

“Gay Byrne’s passing is truly the end of an era. Ní bheidh a leithéad ann go deo.”