Martina Fitzgerald announces departure from RTE

Kilskyre native Martina Fitzgerald, who was moved from her role as political correspondent with RTE two weeks ago, is to leave RTE after 18 years' service.

In a statement, she says: "After 18 years working with RTE News and Current Affairs, today marks my departure for new professional adventures. I take great pride reporting from Leinster House as RTE's political correspondent and especially covering the dramatic 2016 general election and subsequent prolonged government formation pricess, as well as historic referendums on Marriage Equality and the Eight Amendment. I loved every minute reporting on political developments - and providing analysis and context - for RTE's audience. Thanks you to my colleagues who helped me with all this work, and to everyone for their loyalty and decency."

RTE's managing director of news and current affairs, Jon Williams  said: "During her time in RTE, Martina has distinguished herself as a hardworking and dedicated journalist who has worked on many of RTE's flagship radio and television programmes such as Morning Ireland and Six One News. Martina reported extensively on a range of subjects in particular as political correspondent based in Leinster House. She has been an integral part of RTE's sunstantial and extensive coverage of general elections and referendums and other important and significant political events over the last five years. We wish Martina every success in her future endeavours."

Martina recently embarked on a book tour of the country publicising her book 'Madam Politician', interviews with the Irish women who made it to cabinet over the past century, as well as Ireland's two female presidents. She was replaced as political correspondent by former European reporter, Paul Cunningham.