IVAN YATES HAS insisted he’s “done nothing wrong” in his first interview since the media training controversy that erupted over his role in the presidential election.

Yates said the past week had seen the media try to “dance on my grave in terms of the double standards” and conflicts of interest.

“I know of no other business that is so riddled with conflicts of interest other than the media,” Yates told David McCullagh during the host’s first appearance in the new slot.

He also refused to discuss his role coaching Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin, citing client confidentiality as he claimed he “broke no rules” around his discussions of the election on the Path to Power podcast.

“I’m not a Fianna Fáil spin doctor, I’m relying on my integrity to give my personal opinion,” Yates said.

“I’ve done nothing wrong and any coaching job I have done has not compromised my own opinions.”

Defending his double role acting as a pundit and as a media trainer for politicians, Yates called himself “the best back channeler in the business”.

The former Fine Gael minister added that politicians prefer talking to him.

“Politicians speak to me because I’m not a journalist,” Yates said.

Yates’s active involvement in the campaign only publicly emerged after the vote, but came after he attracted criticism during the Áras race when he said that were he contacted for advice by Fine Gael, he would “smear the bejaysus” out of winning candidate Catherine Connolly.

Yates, a former minister turned political pundit stepped aside from a podcast he co-presented with Matt Cooper after it was revealed he was involved with Fianna Fáil’s presidential election campaign.

Asked about his former co-host Matt Cooper’s description of the controversy as a “breach of trust” to their podcast’s audience, Yates was adamant it was so such thing.

“I really, really have nothing to say at this time about Matt Cooper, other than to wish Path to Power and The Last Word and all his other things well,” Yates later added.

He also confirmed this morning that he would be attending the Oireachtas Media Committee later this month to discuss transparency issues in the sector.

Coimisiún na Meán is carrying out a review in the matter, with Newstalk, a radio station for which Yates also did some work for during the presidential campaign, also carrying out an internal review.

New look to RTÉ

It was McCullagh’s first show in the new slot this morning as sweeping changes to the station’s schedule took effect.

The former Six One TV host has replaced the departing Claire Byrne from the earlier start time of 9am.

Byrne is to take up a role in Newstalk amid changes at the commercial broadcaster.

McCullagh’s new show means Oliver Callan’s programme moves to 11am and get extended for two hours.

Elsewhere, ex-Newstalk presenter Kieran Cuddihy will take up the Liveline role from Monday as RTÉ Radio 1 announced its new weekday schedule.

Joe Duffy stepped down as the longtime host of Liveline earlier this year.

Another change-up to the weekday schedule will also see Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin replace Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra as the hosts of Drivetime.

Drivetime will also move to the earlier time of 4pm.