Claire Byrne has been described as a “shoo-in” to take over Sean O’Rourke’s radio slot in September.
A top RTE source said the presenter heads the list of candidates to take the reins of the programme which is currently being helmed by Sarah McInerney.
And while the former Newstalk anchor is being lauded by critics for her no-nonsense approach with Government ministers, it was described as “unlikely but not impossible”, that she would keep the job come September.
The senior source said: “The Today programme is one of the biggest programmes in the radio schedule and to be honest, Claire is a shoo-in to get it.
“Nothing is set in stone yet but what I would say is that right now Claire is a bit like Liverpool in the Premiership.
“Sarah has done a great job in the interim and has made all the right moves but for now, Claire is definitely the front runner. Of course Miriam [O’Callaghan] is still in the conversation as well but she is so heavily invested in Prime Time that it would be a big ask for her to do both.”
Bookmakers BoyleSports have also reflected Byrne’s likely appointment cutting her odds from 4/1 to 4/6 favourite.
McInerney is now 2/1 to keep the chair while Miriam has gone out to 6/1.
O’Rourke spent seven years as the host of one of RTE’s flagship shows, taking over the mantle from Pat Kenny in 2013.
A second senior source said while negotiations were at an advanced stage, a final decision and announcement would not be made until late August.
They added” “There are so many big changes coming in the coming weeks that everything is being done carefully.
“So many talented people are in the mix for top positions that it is important that Sean’s successor is chosen the right way without offending anyone”
A spokesperson for RTÉ declined to comment.
