By Dan Walsh
It was implied that veteran broadcaster Vincent Browne could never be replaced, but Enniscorthy’s Ivan Yates sat comfortably in his seat for the past three years, TV3 became Virgin Media and The Tonight Show became the nation’s favourite for many late night viewers of current affairs.
Ivan presented his final ‘live’ show last night when his chief guest was An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, who didn’t let the occasion pass with offering some words of congratulations on his retirement. “I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your service to broadcasting and the public in terms of how you have carried out this show. We’ll miss you! I think you brought a degree of freshness and innovation to the job and also something unique.”
Co-presenter Matt Cooper also spoke well of Ivan and wished him well in his retirement. He was presented with a special commission by caricature artist Niall O’Loughlin, who recently immortalised Dr Tony Holohan in similar creative style.
Aged 60, Ivan Yates is son of Enniscorthy businessman, the late John F. Yates, and Mary Yates of Blackstoops, on the outskirts of the town. He joined the Fine Gael party and was elected to Enniscorthy Urban District Council on his first attempt in the June elections of 1979.
When elected to the 22nd Dail in 1981 he was the youngest deputy in the House. He served as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry from 1994 until 1997 and he was elected on every occasion until his retirement from politics in 2002.
He was involved in business interests for a number of years until he entered broadcasting with Newstalk FM on the Breakfast Show and Virgin Media (was TV3) taking over The Tonight Show three years ago.
His autobiography FULL ON – A Memoir was published by Hatchette Books Ireland in 2014.
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