Revealed: Why Patrick Kielty hasn't signed new Late Late deal
Patrick Kielty has not signed a new contract with RTÉ following the expiry of his existing deal, as negotiations over pay remain unresolved, Extra.ie has learned.
His failure to sign on the dotted line has raised uncertainty over the future of Ireland’s most-watched television programme ahead of its autumn return.
The Co Down comedian is understood to be seeking an increase on his current fee, but is constrained by an RTÉ rule that prohibits any presenter from earning more than Director General Kevin Bakhurst’s basic salary of €250,000.
The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty. Pic: Andres Poveda
Sources close to the situation say Kielty has not agreed to the standard terms and is holding out for a more substantial deal.
Central to the situation is a proposed €20,000 pay increase for Bakhurst, which would require Government approval.
Kielty is understood to be awaiting the outcome of that process, as a higher salary for the Director General would effectively raise the pay ceiling and give the presenter more room to negotiate.
When asked whether Kielty’s contract was linked to his own pay deal, Bakhurst said: ‘I don’t know. I’d love to get that pay deal sorted.’
The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty. Pic: Andres Poveda
The ongoing negotiations have come at a difficult time for the broadcaster. RTÉ is already at odds with the Government over a series of financial matters, and relations between Montrose and the Cabinet are understood to be strained.
The station has faced sustained political and public scrutiny over its handling of pay and expenses in recent years, and senior figures are anxious to avoid further damaging revelations.
Government patience with the station’s management is said to be wearing thin. Ministers are understood to be frustrated by the continued emergence of pay arrangements that were not publicly disclosed, and are watching developments closely.
Among the details to surface is that Kielty received an additional €23,980 over the past two years for presenting holiday specials, payments that were not reflected in his publicly disclosed contract.
With the Late Late Show’s autumn launch approaching, RTÉ is under growing pressure to resolve the standoff and secure its biggest star before the new season begins.
