Doyle's remit covers broadcasting, too, not only the rather shapeless schedules of RTE FM3 Classical Radio, soon to be subsumed into a round-the-clock music and arts channel, but also the much thornier problem of music on television.

In his work with Music Network, Doyle has shown sensitivities that should stand him in good stead in his new post. He has been fastidious in his nurturing of local talent, and consistent in his support of Irish composers (though rather less impressive in his regard for the greatest music of our age). He has been extremely far-sighted in amassing information from which to extrapolate needs and derive models for development, and assiduous in carrying out his plans by engaging in imaginative partnerships. However, the transition from filling a musical vacuum in the regions to guiding the frequently shaky artistic fortunes of this country's major musical nexus must be regarded as something that will test him to the limit.