Hook, who started with Newstalk in 2002 at their inception, was heavily criticised for controversial comments he made last year concerning victims of rape. Hook was later pulled from his show, 'High Noon', and replaced by Dr. Ciara Kelly after sponsors pulled advertising.

In a statement delivered to media this afternoon, Newstalk managing editor Patricia Monahan said that "George has been with Newstalk since we launched in 2002 and in the intervening 16 years has made a great contribution to the station. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him and wish him well in his retirement."

Hook himself has not commented on Twitter or released a statement as of writing.