Tubridy's junket in DC - is this correct?

[Lefronde]

Am I correct that Ryan Tubridy has taken himself off to Washington for Obama's inauguration? If this is the case, can anyone tell me the point, and what's more, precisely who is paying for this junket? Last time I checked he's a morning radio show host in Ireland, not a US citizen, nor a member of the Democratic party. The inauguration is amply covered by the US media, and dare I say no shortage of other channels.

Precisely how many RTE heads are going to the inauguration? And why?

I know that George Hook is off there too, the only difference is at least newstalk is a private station not funded by the taxpayer.

[sandar]

yeah I would have thought the washington corresposnent, plus maybe one anchorman would be all that was needed, especially if you look at it that washington is five hours behind Ireland, if his show goes out at the usual time, it will be early hours of the morning in washington where he is, there will be nothing happening live by then. Its a disgrace

[TradCat]

Is he just going because he wanted to?

[corelli]

Perhaps he is just going because he wants to. His relation, Dot Tubridy, was very friendly with the Kennedy's. Perhaps there is a personal connection with the Democratic party.

[smitchy2]

He should be allowed to go if he wanted to but probably not at RTE's expense.
Suppose they wanted someone high profile there.
Can't believe Hook is going- after fully supporting McCain, he now thinks Obama is great.

[politicaldonations]

Tubridy is a self admitted American political junkie. Theres little justification for this trip in current economic climate. Less money spent at rte leaves more money for other public sector areas.

[The OD]

Well surely we could make a call to the FBI about the infamous Taliban/Irish insurrectionist Mohammed Al Turbridi?

Perhaps a stint in Guantanamo might be in order? I mean if Obama is true to his word, then it will only be for a few months?

Perhaps some waterboarding might give him an insight into how many of us feel about his presenting/interviewing 'style'?

Just a thought folks, just a thought....

[Lefronde]

In 1997, I was in DC during Clinton's 2nd inaugural and watched the parade from a stand on Pennsylvania Ave (nearly froze to death). It wasn't much of a spectacle, and indeed not a patch on the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.

Unless you are a member of the Democratic party and sitting on the steps of the Capitol its kind of boring. Certainly there is no reason for Mr Peanut to be there.

[sandar]

tubridy is not high profile in current affairs, in fact he doesnt work for the current affairs department, high profile is charlie bird, who will be there anyway, and dobson...

[Pauli]

He should be allowed to go if he wanted to but probably not at RTE's expense.
Suppose they wanted someone high profile there.
Can't believe Hook is going- after fully supporting McCain, he now thinks Obama is great.

Hook isn't costing us money. Besides, the theme is CHANGE and Hooky has obviously changed his mind.