Daíthí Ó’Sé told critics of the annual Rose of Tralee festival to switch it off if they have nothing nice to say.
The Kerry man, who presented the competition earlier this week said people who are critical of the broadcast could always turn off their telly.
According to The Irish Mirror, Daíthí said: “If people don’t want to watch it, that’s why they have a remote control, so use it.
“People always throw this around that it is outdated but I honestly believe it is more relevant than ever because people are leaving out shores in huge numbers and it draws them back again.”
Daíthí also dismissed critics who said the girls who take part in the competition are too nice to be true.
Nicola McEvoy won this years Rose of Tralee
“It attracts women who have done a lot with their lives rather than having women who are say more flighty.
“We were very lucky this year with the caliber of contestants.”
Critics also slammed the festival’s traditional male escorts who are required to be at the Roses’ beck and call throughout the weeklong tour.
“It’s all part of the Rose experience.
“They are ladies, they want to be pampered and that’s what the chaperones do.
“They also add an element of fun to the contest.
“They are a very easy target for me on the show,” he said.
Daíthí is looking forward to continuing his career in RTÉ and has a meeting with the national broadcaster next week to discuss a new show.
“We have a meeting every year around the beginning of August to discuss what I am doing.
“But I was away on honeymoon so I asked if I could meet after the Rose of Tralee and that is what’s happening.
“I’m not worried, something always turns up,” he said.
