Helen Shaw, the new head of RTÉ Radio and a journalist of proven ability, has arrived at Montrose full of reforming zeal. Her biggest challenge could be what to do with a talented part-timer from Howth. By Brenda Power

This time last year, the radio mandarins of Montrose were sandbagging the trenches, fortifying their schedules and reviewing programming policy in anticipation of the Radio Ireland offensive. Plans were under way to sideline the Sunday-morning religious services to free a block of prime airtime, the drive-time slot was reshaped to defend its ground against the new station's evening onslaught, and Morning Ireland switched to an earlier starting time.