Claire Byrne says she knows the pressure is on as she prepares to start her new role at Newstalk after 15 years at RTÉ, admitting she needs to “hit the ground running”.

Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Byrne said her decision to move was based on a range of “personal and complex” reasons. Although she felt less challenged at RTÉ and saw colleagues becoming disillusioned, she admitted she was emotional when handing in her notice.

“I told them Newstalk had made me an offer and I was minded to take it,” she said. “I wasn’t playing games or trying to get RTÉ to match it, because I knew they couldn’t due to the pay cap.”

Following the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst introduced a €250,000 salary cap. At the time, Byrne earned €280,000, reduced from €350,000 after stepping away from her Monday night TV show. She also earned €25,000 from Ireland’s Smartest.

Byrne said she struggled to understand the decision. “I hadn’t done anything wrong. The show had a sponsor and strong advertising, so I didn’t see why I deserved to be capped,” she said.

She added that her issue was not about money, but about the message it sent. “It felt like the organisation was wagging its finger at me. It made me feel marked and uncomfortable.”

Byrne will take over the three-hour prime-time weekday slot previously hosted by Pat Kenny. She said she welcomed the challenge, describing Newstalk, owned by Bauer, as “a real competitor” with strong ambition.

“I have high expectations of myself. This show has to be good from day one. Newstalk has taken a bet on me, and I need to deliver.”

Byrne said she looks forward to being on air for three hours each weekday and plans to grow the audience.

She begins her new show on Newstalk on Tuesday, February 2nd, airing from 9am to 12pm.