RTÉ's Catriona Perry confirms she is leaving to take up new BBC US role

RTÉ news presenter Catriona Perry has confirmed she is leaving the Irish broadcaster to take up a position with the BBC in America. 

In a statement she it was with a "mix of sadness and excitement" that she was leaving RTÉ for the new role after 16 years with the national broadcaster. 

“I have made great friends, worked with some incredibly talented people and had fantastic experiences and opportunities.

"I have reported from all over the world and had the chance to witness history in the making, particularly during my time as Washington Correspondent and as co-presenter of the Six One News.

"It was a tough decision to walk away from RTÉ. It is an institution in Irish life, but I have been offered an incredible opportunity," she said. 

Ms Perry outlined that she will be finishing her role with RTÉ in the coming weeks. 

"I wish to say a special thank you to the RTÉ audience, the viewers, listeners and readers who have afforded me the extraordinary privilege of being a public service broadcast journalist."

She added that she is "passionate about world news and US politics in particular".

“It is really exciting to get the opportunity to be at the forefront of the BBC coverage, bringing news to an audience of nearly 500 million” she said.

No news co-presenter has been confirmed yet by RTÉ.