There was a strong sense on Wednesday afternoon that Ryan Tubridy's return to RTÉ was all but a done deal.
The Grant Thornton report had shown he played no role in the misstating of his salary during the period 2017 to 2019.
Ryan Tubridy issued a statement that afternoon welcoming the findings.
"I am committed to re-establishing the confidence and trust of my colleagues and listeners," he said. It was a further indication that the former Late Late Show host would likely be back behind the mic in a matter of weeks.
However, another line in the statement sparked significant concern at the most senior levels of RTÉ.
"It is also clear that my actual income from RTÉ in 2020 and 2021 matches what was originally published."
RTÉ sought a clarification as to what he meant, and while it was forthcoming, it appears that the damage was already done.
The publication of the statement derailed Tubridy's journey back to RTÉ. Director General Kevin Bakhurst announced on Thursday evening that negotiations were to end without resolution, due to a breakdown of trust.
For many politicians, the sudden U-turn caught them by surprise.
While not expressing a view as to whether Ryan Tubridy should have stayed or left, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Media Niamh Smyth said she was glad a line had been drawn in the sand as she would rather see RTÉ focus on getting its house in order.
Chair of the Public Accounts Committee Brian Stanely had a similar view, adding that people needed to accept the findings of the Grant Thornton review. It was an indication that both politicians wanted people to move on from the Ryan Tubridy chapter of this controversy.
Alan Dillon, a member of both the Media Committee and Public Accounts Committee, spoke of the need for politicians to act in a responsible way going forward, to help support RTÉ.
Both committees were seen to have performed a valuable role during the initial weeks of the RTÉ controversy. While there may have been grandstanding from politicians at times, ultimately a lot of the information that came to light was thanks to the work of TDs and Senators.
As the new Dáil term approaches, there is a temptation amongst politicians to dive back into committee sessions with RTÉ, but many are mindful too that a balance will have to be struck, to ensure it doesn't descend into political theatre.
"We don't want meetings for the sake of having a meeting," Deputy Dillon told RTÉ's Morning Ireland, adding that RTÉ's reputation is in "disarray" and the Oireachtas needs to focus on getting it back on a "stable footing".
The Oireachtas Committee on Media will meet in private session on Tuesday, where these issues will likely be teased out.
Separately, several reviews and processes are under way at RTÉ as it seeks to restore its reputation.
Two external review panels, established by Minister for Media Catherine Martin to look into several matters including corporate governance and culture at RTÉ, have commenced their work. They are due to report back in early 2024 but it is hoped that their interim findings might be made available to the Oireachtas Media Committee.
Meanwhile, a forensic accountant has also been appointed by Minister Martin.
Mr Bakhurst has asked legal firm McCann Fitzgerald to review voluntary exit schemes created by RTÉ in 2017 and 2021. It is due to report back by the end of September.
The most pressing issue for the station is its funding. Licence fee revenue sales are down almost €4.6m since the start of the controversy.
Interim funding will likely be sought by RTÉ from October's Budget. Discussions around the size of that funding package, and conditions that may apply to it, are likely to intensify next month.
The long-term funding model is also recognised by Government as being in need of reform. Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said yesterday that the Government would tackle the issue in the coming months.
Controversy over Ryan Tubridy's future became a matter of intrigue and a distraction from the regular political agenda. However, now that he's gone from RTÉ, the organisation itself will likely take centre stage.
Various reviews could potentially uncover some difficult findings. It will all come at a time when the Government seeks to address the future funding of the organisation.
The RTÉ payments controversy, and the challenges it has brought about, are far from over.
RTÉ focusing on 'restoring trust', but without Tubridy
