The current controversy surrounding RTÉ is “very distressing”, Charlie Bird has said. 

Mr Bird became a household name during his time at the broadcaster and, although he retired some years ago, he retains a huge amount of affection for his former employer.

Since news broke that RTÉ kept a number of payments to presenter Ryan Tubridy secret, the future of the broadcaster has been a topic of national discussion.

“Yes, it is very distressing to see what is happening to RTÉ,” Mr Bird told The Hard Shoulder.

“I spent most of my life working for public service broadcasting and I am so sad to see what is happening to the station now.

“I believe RTÉ plays a very important role for the democratic process in this country.

“I also believe it is very important to have a private sector as well.”

Recent figures have shown a steep drop in the number of people paying their licence fee but Mr Bird said it was his, “dying wish that people recognise the importance of public service broadcasting.”

Former RTÉ broadcaster Charlie Bird. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo / Brian Lawless

In 2021, Mr Bird was diagnosed with motor neurone disease; it is a rare condition that affects a person’s body and brain.

Currently, there is no cure and Mr Bird said his mobility is declining.

“Not a day goes by without a bad coughing fit and my mobility is getting worse every day now,” he said.

“To be very honest, I feel it won’t be too long before I end up in a wheelchair.

“Then I will know how life is for the thousands of people who have lived in a wheelchair for so long.”

One thing that helps him is the support he receives from people across Ireland and the world.

“[It] is helping me to stay alive,” he said.

“I have repeatedly said, ‘As long as I have a breath in my body, I want to continue to extend the hand of friendship to people in dark places, to everyone with a terminal illness just like myself.’

“Some mornings I wake up totally depressed but when I think of all the support I’m getting, it lifts my spirits.”

You can listen back here:

Main image: Charlie Bird.