Shane Ross

RTÉ has questions to answers over its decision not to broadcast an interview with former minister Shane Ross about his biography of Sinn Féin leader Mary ...

That is a principle the BAI acknowledge. RTÉ, I believe, has questions to answer.” “In this instance, the decision not to broadcast was an editorial decision and was not influenced by any legal issues,” it added. Do you think we have permission to publish it?’” Responding to the comments in the Dáil, a Sinn Féin spokesperson this evening said the party “did not receive a copy of any interview, nor was it sought”. He surmised that the station was being conservative, considering that it was being sued by a “person of heft and clout” in the person of Ms McDonald.

Broadcaster rejects suggestion that 'a political party' was allowed to listen to segment with author and former minister Shane Ross.

And it has, I believe, some very serious consequences for the national broadcaster and it’s a very worrying development.” “I’m not sure if they are afraid or who they are afraid of or what they are hiding, but this is censorship of the highest order. The Taoiseach said the broadcaster was probably “taking a cautious position here and because of the fear of being sued”.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called on RTÉ to explain its decision not to air an interview with former minister Shane Ross last week. Advertisement.

"It is a very worrying development... "Why RTÉ decided not to publish it is a matter that needs explanation." "With many competing stories and items each day, it is not unusual for a pre-recorded interview not to be broadcast. "Obviously, the national broadcaster is taking a cautious position here, and because of a fear of being sued will not publish the interview or will not broadcast the interview. Martin also told the Dáil: "Apparently a political party got access to the interview to listen to it. "I don't know the background to the entire case other than to say that such a development has a chilling effect on public debate and on democracy, of that there is no doubt," Martin responded.

RTE are facing scrutiny following their decision not to broadcast an interview with former minister Shane Ross about his biography about Sinn Féin's Mary ...

He said: 'I don't think I was ever afforded that opportunity as a leader of the Opposition ever -- that someone would say, "Have a listen to that there. DO you think we have permission to publish it?" An Taoiseach stated that the decision not to broadcast the interview with Shane Ross -- which was due to air on RTE Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne show -- was something that 'demands greater transparency.' Read more:— RTÉ News (@rtenews) Martin added that he also found the allegation that a political party were given access to the interview -- which may have led to a 'tripping up' as 'intriguing.' The Taoiseach has called on RTÉ to explain a decision not to broadcast an interview with Shane Ross about his new book on Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald

RTÉ director general Dee Forbes faces being called before the Oireachtas Media Committee to discuss the decision to ditch an interview with former transport ...

The decision not to broadcast a recorded interview with Mr Ross, which had been slated to air on the Today with Claire Byrne show on RTÉ Radio 1, was “something that demands greater transparency”, he said. Mr Ross outlined what had happened in the Sunday Independent of October 9. RTÉ, I believe, has questions to answer.”

Former transport minister Shane Ross has accused State broadcaster RTÉ of being frightened of offending Sinn Féin. He was speaking after Taoiseach Micheál ...

They decided they were frightened of offending Sinn Féin, there's no doubt." "They said they wanted to give Sinn Féin a right of reply - once the interview had been done and recorded they wanted to give them a right of reply - and then access to sections of the book which was referred to. "No they didn't, because RTÉ pulled the interview before that; but they had set the process in train for giving them the transcripts of the interview, or certainly for giving them those bits of the interview which was relevant to them, [which] is quite unprecedented."

The Taoiseach said the circumstances were worrying because of the ' chilling effect'they could have on 'public debate and democracy'

That is something that demands greater transparency and explanation.” I believe RTE has questions to answer.” “Of that there is no doubt. Mr Kehoe said: “Does the Taoiseach share my concerns regarding the decision by RTE radio to drop a heavily sanitised interview it had recorded with the former Minister and Deputy Shane Ross on his new book on Deputy McDonald?” Mr Martin was responding to Fine Gael TD, Paul Kehoe, who said RTE had “questions to answer” and accused the broadcaster of “censorship”. The Taoiseach said the circumstances were worrying because of the “chilling effect” they could have on “public debate and democracy”.

“A grim agenda” of recession, the UK bond crisis and the global energy crisis awaits our panel on today's podcast, so first the team enjoy a relatively ...

RTÉ told Shane Ross and his publishers that it would insist on strict conditions for an interview about his book, Mary Lou McDonald: A Republican Riddle.

After exchanges between Fine Gael members, who wanted to hear from RTÉ on the issue, and Sinn Fein members, who opposed the move, Fianna Fáil Senator Malcom Byrne suggested a compromise which members have accepted. A tape of the interview was not supplied to Sinn Féin in advance of the intended publication date. In addition, it said there should be no mention of a specific member of her family.