Gerry Ryan has ruled himself out of contention to replace Pat Kenny as host of The Late Late Show after conceding that RTÉ will not offer him the job.

Speaking for the first time since Kenny's surprise announcement that he will step down next month after 10 years at the helm, Ryan told the
Sunday Tribune: "I couldn't be the next host of The Late Late Show because RTÉ wouldn't offer it to me. I can also tell you, RTÉ hasn't even asked me if I would be interested in being the presenter on The Late Late Show."

The remarks come despite the 53-year-old successfully standing in for presenter Pat Kenny on an edition of the programme last October.

It is believed Ryan's recent stubborn refusal to take a 10% pay cut after all his colleagues had agreed to a reduction in their salaries is one of the main reasons he is not seen as a contender.

He was forced into an embarrassing U-turn after widespread public criticism and the affair is said to have damaged him in the eyes of senior management at Montrose.

Meanwhile, Ryan is again risking the wrath of his bosses by saying he believes RTÉ's search for Kenny's replacement could have been better handled.

"What I think would have worked better is if Pat made his announcement that he was leaving and, there and then in the studio, they brought on his successor. I think that would have been a far better way to do it and not have this endless speculation," said Ryan.

While declining to comment on which of the two favourites for the job – Miriam O'Callaghan and Ryan Tubridy – will eventually emerge victorious, Ryan thinks the position should be filled by an outsider to RTÉ.

"I think that would be a good thing. I have a huge respect for Ryan and Miriam as broadcasters but sometimes it's better to get someone from outside who will bring something fresh to it. The other thing I think RTÉ could do to make The Late Late Show better, is to switch hosts more often. I think, for instance, the 35 years Gay Byrne did it and the 10 years Pat did it, great though they both were, is a thing of the past."

Meanwhile, Ryan Tubridy, a strong contender for the Late Late job, has answered critics who suggested as host of the lighter Tubridy Tonight that he lacks the gravitas to deal with the more serious topics often discussed on The Late Late Show.

"I would refer you to my radio show in the mornings where I very often deal with extremely serious and difficult issues so you decide whether I am able for that or not.

"If you're asking me if it is possible I can do both, that's for the bosses to decide. I am happy in both areas to be honest with you," said Tubridy.