Confusion surrounds Claire Byrne's status this weekend, with negotiations continuing between Newstalk and Byrne's current employer TV3, where she has fronted the main evening news. Newstalk has signed Byrne up as a presenter for its early-morning Breakfast Showwhich will compete with RTE's Morning Ireland for national listeners.

However, TV3 last week reminded Newstalk that Byrne's contract is not yet up, scuppering the station's planned announcement last Friday. With the lack of agreement, Newstalk was forced to cancel a planned photocall in Merrion Square at the very last minute on Friday morning. A press release was issued instead.

The director of news at TV3, Andrew O'Hanlon, refused to reveal how long Byrne would remain with the station.

"We have contracts with our staff and they're expected to be honoured, " he said.

A spokeswoman for Newstalk told the Sunday Tribune that there was uncertainty over when Byrne could actually start her new radio presenting duties. "It's all still in negotiation stage in TV3. . . at the moment, there's just no knowing, " she said.

There was speculation that Byrne may have to wait up to three months before she starts work at the new national radio station if TV3 enforces the terms of her contract.

Long notice periods are common in contracts with television stations in order to give employers time to find a replacement. If negotiations fail between the two broadcasters, Byrne will have to wait out her notice in TV3.

O'Hanlon this weekend blamed the new national radio station for the impasse.

"If Newstalk is finding itself in a position that its plans are stalled, it's probably because it has left all its planning to the last minute, " he told the Sunday Tribune. "If it had checked with Claire, it would have known the terms of her contract."

Meanwhile, Byrne's predecessor, Grainne Seoige, is gearing up for her new job in RTE. Her afternoon programme, which begins in the first week in October, is still under wraps, but last week maker Tyrone Productions was still searching for Seoige's male co-presenter. TG4's Daithi O Se is being tipped as a likely choice.