DJ Gerry says no to pounds 1m channel switch

Radio presenter Gerry Ryan has turned down a fabulous pounds 1 million offer to switch channels.

Brash Gerry will this week say no to Radio Ireland, the new commercial station, which tried to lure him from RTE's 2FM with a three- year deal.

Ryan has been mulling over the offer for six weeks - and promised listeners a decision by the end of June. Insiders revealed yesterday Gerry will stay put.

"He gave the offer serious consideration, consulted people he respects -and came down in favour of 2FM" said another DJ. "The station's guarantee of a pay hike in the autumn had a big influence."

An RTE source said: "Gerry's new contract with RTE won't be too far behind the pounds 1 million offered by Radio Ireland. And by staying with 2FM, he is also putting himself in line for TV work on RTE."

Having failed to entice Ryan, struggling Radio Ireland bosses Moya Doherty and John Colgan will now try to lure other top RTE stars. DJs Ian Dempsey, Dave Fanning and Gareth O'Callaghan are likely targets.

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