Ryan Tubridy looks set to take over Marian Finucane's daily RTE radio slot in the coming months.

Tubridy, who became a father for the second time this week and is currently absent from his very popular 2FM early morning show, 'The Full Irish', is being lined up to fill the 9am Radio 1 slot currently occupied by Finucane, sources indicate.

It is understood that RTE is keen for him to take over the slot in its bid to retain the huge number of listeners who tune into 'Morning Ireland'.

And well-placed sources in RTE said Ruth Scott will shortly leave 98FM to return to 2FM and anchor 'The Full Irish'.

The likely Tubridy movehas prompted speculation that Finucane may leave her programme a couple of months earlier than her expected June departure and will work elsewhere on RTE radio.

A major shake-up of RTE's radio schedules is on the way and Tubridy's departure from 2FM could affect Gerry Ryan's ratings and 2FM's advertising revenues - Tubridy pulled in many listeners and advertisers at a time in the morning just before Ryan was due to go on air.

Former Gerry Ryan colleague, Brenda Donohue (37), has also been mentioned around RTE as a possible replacement for Ms Finucane.

The next JNLR radio survey is due out in Febuary and RTE bosses are eagerly awaiting the results, as they work on a major overhaul.

John Lawrence