A shaken Marty Morrissey last night told the Mirror that he hopes the public will understand - after apologising for using a free car for five years.
We spoke exclusively to RTE’s GAA Correspondent at his home in Co Clare last night not long after it emerged that he had the use of the free car under an ‘ad hoc’ arrangement for five years.
Speaking to us as the rain poured down on the West Coast, a visibly remorseful Marty (64) said he didn’t want to add to a statement he had just released on social media.
But when asked by this paper if he hopes the public will be understanding of his apology and his explanation for accepting the car from Renault Marty said “of course I do.”
READ MORE: RTE's Marty Morrissey confirms he's the mystery star who kept 'loaned' car for five years
But he refused to add to his statement further saying: “I have made my statement. That’s the way it is at the moment and until I get clearance or whatever to say anything else, I’ve said what I wanted to say.”
Quizzed by this paper about the timing of his handing back of the car, amidst a crisis at RTE and a day before the latest Oireachtas Committee grilling Marty said: “You’re doing your job and I admire you for it. I’ve made a lengthy statement. I’ve done my bit."
Mr Morrissey spoke to us after earlier issuing his apology, in which he admitted to accepting the “informal” use of a car in return for being a master of ceremonies at a dozen Renault events.
In a statement, he said: "In the interests of openness and transparency, I would like to address certain questions that have been raised over recent days.
"I am a Sports Reporter and Commentator concentrating exclusively on GAA.
"In light of recent events, one potential issue did come into focus. In 2017 I was asked to MC a series of functions in Renault garages across the country. This involved me interviewing several high-profile GAA personalities. As was required of me, I sought RTÉ permission at the time to do this. This permission was granted.
"I did not seek a fee for this engagement. I saw it as GAA-related, interacting with former players who I knew well. Many of the GAA-related engagements I do, I do at no cost. As I hadn't sought a fee, Renault offered me the use of a car. I accepted this offer. The situation carried over informally for a number of years. I ended up MC ing about 12 such events.
"Since the recent controversy within RTÉ arose, I reflected on this matter. I concluded that it had been an error of judgment on my part to accept the use of the car. I returned it voluntarily to Renault on Friday 23rd June.
"Like many RTÉ staff and contractors, I was this week asked to supply RTÉ with information about any commercial engagements, gifts and potential conflicts of interest. I did this and made full disclosure of this matter to RTÉ.
"I have never been appointed a brand ambassador for Renault. There was no expectation or requirement that I publicly endorse or promote Renault on air, on social media or otherwise while I had the use of a car. As far as I was concerned, my use of the car was always a very ad hoc arrangement which did not affect my work with RTÉ.
"I wish to be clear that I have never had a car allowance from RTÉ. I have apologised to RTÉ, my managers and colleagues for any embarrassment or difficulty I have caused them because of this matter. I also apologise to any of our viewers and listeners who may feel let down by my actions. It was never my intention to let anyone down, least of all myself.
"I have assured RTÉ that I remain ready to assist, and rectify, any issues which may arise from this matter."
A spokesman for RTE said the matter has now been addressed with Marty by RTE management and the station confirmed he will still commentate on the All-Ireland hurling semi-final on Saturday and the senior camogie quarter final on Sunday.
In a statement, a spokesman for RTE said: “This matter is being addressed with Marty Morrissey by RTÉ management.
“Marty Morrissey will be commentating on the All-Ireland Senior Men’s Hurling Semi-Final on Saturday and the All-Ireland Senior Camogie quarter-final on Sunday on RTÉ2 as scheduled.”
In addition, RTÉ’s Interim Deputy Director General, Adrian Lynch said he has agreed with incoming Director General Kevin Bakhurst that the station will develop a register of interests for both staff and their contractors - starting first with its on-air presenters.
Mr Lynch said: “As new issues come to light, and as part of RTÉ’s commitment to restoring trust in the organisation, I have agreed with the incoming Director General, Kevin Bakhurst that RTÉ will develop a comprehensive register of interests of RTÉ staff and contractors. This process has started and will be completed in the coming weeks.
“While in the short-term, we are focusing on RTÉ’s on-air presenters, the scope of this process will be extended to all RTÉ employees, both staff and contractors to ensure compliance with RTÉ guidelines and contracts. It is our intention to make these details public once the register is complete.”
