Broadcaster Eamon Dunphy is to leave Dublin radio station NewsTalk 106 after two years presenting its flagship breakfast programme.
This follows eight weeks of negotiations between Dunphy and station executives over an optional one-year renewal of his contract.
Dunphy told The Irish Times yesterday that he took the decision not to exercise the option because of increased commitments with RTÉ sports and a desire to write books. "I've a lot of work; if you're working for six days a week, you don't do anything else," he said. "The job's done. It's time to move on."
In a statement issued earlier, he said he was "fortunate to have worked with an outstanding team and I wish them and the station every success in the future".
The programme's five full-time staff, who had been kept informed of the situation, were told of Dunphy's decision on Monday but have not been told who, if anyone, is to replace him. "We're all disappointed. It's been an extremely positive experience and it's always disappointing when it comes to an end," said one.
It is understood that Dunphy - who is also the programme's editor - sought improved terms, but that executives at the station were adamant that the one-year option could be exercised only on identical contract terms.
"The station were not going to give in; they weren't going to give increased terms," said one senior figure yesterday.
Dunphy's contract expires in August.