RTE has appointed George Lee as their new agriculture and environment correspondent.

Interviews for the position took place on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

RTE Press Office confirmed the rumour on Twitter a short time later.

Other people thought to have been in the running for the position included Countrywide presenter Damien O’Reilly, Morning Ireland presenter Fran McNulty, Midlands correspondent Ciaran Mullooly and news reporter Joe Mag Raollaigh.

George Lee began working for RTE in 1992 and was appointed Economics Editor in 1996.

He left the national broadcaster in 2009 to contest the Dublin South By-election for Fine Gael, a seat which he won comfortably winning 53% of the first preferences.

However, he resigned his position in February 2010 citing dissatisfaction with his role and lack of influence in party policy.

The RTE agriculture correspondent role has been vacant since October 2012 when Joe O'Brien retired.

Commenting on his new role George said: “I am really looking forward to taking on this new challenge and with both my parents being from farming backgrounds I have a particular and natural affinity with the sector.

"It is a great privilege for me to be afforded the opportunity to report, explain, and reflect the changes that will take place throughout the Irish agriculture and food sector in the years ahead. And it will be a great joy for me personally to get to know the farming community, and all those who work so hard to make our food industry the success that it is. I have no doubt that the hard work, the professionalism, and the personal stories of those in our farming community can serve to inspire us all and I am very much looking forward to reporting on that.

"This is a very exciting time for the Irish agricultural and food sector. There are great prospects for increased output and employment, and great hopes that agribusiness can help push our entire domestic economy forward at a critically important time. But our farming community also faces some enormous challenges that need to be overcome if we are to truly unlock the potential of this, Ireland's most important industry. The volatility of farm incomes, the threat posed by new international trade agreements, and the adjustments that will be required at family farm level as a result of EU reforms. All of these pose huge personal challenges for farm families.

"This is also a critically important time in terms of global warming, and the environmental issues that we all face. I am thrilled to have be given the opportunity to report about these issues and how we respond to the environment challenges that lie ahead for us all."

Kevin Bakhurst, Managing Director, RTÉ News & Current Affairs said: “I’m absolutely delighted that George is taking up this role. His formidable analytical and communication skills, - combined with his infectious enthusiasm for this important new role - will be great for RTÉ News and our audiences. George will ensure that RTÉ’s coverage of the crucial areas of agriculture and environment is done with real insight, intelligence and impact”.

Mr. Lee will be taking up the post in coming weeks.