Radio: The news broke them

As NewsTalk and Today FM dropped their planned programming to cut live to the Merrion Hotel on Thursday 7 September, Kylie Minogue was singing 'The Locomotion' on RTÉ Radio 1. Fifteen minutes later, as George Hook and Matt Cooper broke the news of Mary Harney's imminent retirement as leader of the PDs live from the press conference, RTÉ Radio 1 played Van Morrison. The Cathal Murray Show was eventually interrupted by a brief newsflash to let RTÉ listeners know what Today FM and NewsTalk listeners already knew. But why didn't RTÉ Radio 1 just start the new Drivetime programme a half hour earlier? Is the sudden retirement of Ireland's first woman head of a political party, 13 years after she took up post and nine years after she became Tánaiste, not sufficient reason to stop the easy listening music?

Both Matt Cooper (The Last Word) and George Hook (The Right Hook) were 30 minutes ahead of RTÉ with their coverage. They reacted fantastically to the occasion with far fewer resources than RTÉ Radio 1. Of the hundred-plus media people at the press conference, at least 10 per cent of them were from RTÉ and yet Radio 1 did not report it live. Funny that.

George Hook spoke to NewsTalk's political correspondent live from the press conference, before giving a comprehensive and personable ad hoc resume of Mary's career. NewsTalk then broadcasted Mary Harney's speech live, after which Liz McManus and Pat Cox were lined up to talk. Pretty good all-round. It's just a pity Hook did not get Liz McManus talking about Harney's track record in health, in particular her privatisation by stealth of the health service.

At the same time, Matt Cooper was talking to political correspondents John Downing and Harry McGee about Harney's 'bolt out of the blue' decision to stand down as leader, her disagreements with Michael McDowell, and what Bertie will do now. Cooper is at his best at moments like this, although he did take a break to talk to Eddie Hobbs about grocery prices, which listeners could have done without.

Even RTÉ 1 went live on TV, with Sean O'Rourke covering 15 minutes of breaking news around 5pm.

RTÉ's Drivetime did not come on air until after the 5pm news and weather – 20 minutes after the press conference had begun. They had notice of the breaking news since 3.30pm, yet what followed was Mary Wilson and a selection of journalists speculating about the reasons behind Mary Harney's decision; a good run though her career 'full of firsts' by Philip Boucher Hayes; soundbites from Michael McDowell and an interview with Tom Parlon.

Given that one of the biggest political stories of the year broke in the two hours before day four of RTÉ's Drivetime programme, it would have been a great chance for the show, and for Mary Wilson, to demonstrate their dexterity. Alas, it was another opportunity lost by Montrose.p