RTÉ chairman Fintan Drury has resigned from the Irish broadcaster over a conflict of interest row.

Two weeks ago, the Irish government confirmed speculation that it was considering adding the 2006 Ryder Cup onto a list of events that must be available on free-to-air television. Such a move would not permit Sky to hold the Irish TV rights for the golf championship; Sky already holds the UK broadcast rights.

In addition to holding the chairmanship of RTÉ, Drury advises the Ryder Cup and the PGA European Tour. As such, he decided to quit when the conflict of interest came to light.