Broadcasting Authority upholds Gallagher complaint against RTÉ

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has upheld a complaint by former presidential candidate Sean Gallagher against RTÉ regarding a reference to a tweet during a debate.

Broadcasting Authority upholds Gallagher complaint against RTÉ

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has upheld a complaint by former presidential candidate Sean Gallagher against RTÉ regarding a reference to a tweet during a debate.

The complaint argued that the broadcast of a tweet during the 'Frontline' presidential programme last October, which was incorrectly referenced as a tweet from the official account of Martin McGuinness, was unfair to Sean Gallagher.

The BAI said that it indicated a lack of objectivity, and of partiality, towards the candidate on the part of the presenter Pat Kenny.

It was critical of the inclusion of unverified information in the programme from a source that was wrongly accredited by the presenter Pat Kenny, and the fact that the tweet was not verified with Martin McGuinness who also participated in the debate.

"I welcome the decision by the BAI," said Mr Gallagher.

"It confirms my view that there was an institutional failure by RTÉ. This public service broadcaster introduced, in a grossly unfair manner, a controversial and bogus tweet into a crucial and live Presidential Election debate, just days before polling, without first having verified where it came from, and whether it was in fact genuine.

"I would like to thank the BAI and those on the Compliance Committee for their careful consideration of my complaint also thank them for their patience, courtesy and professionalism in dealing with this matter.

"It is important to categorically state that my motivation and intention in lodging this complaint was to ensure transparency, fairness and impartiality and to ensure that no other candidate or public figure would be subjected to unfairness and unfair practices during crucial broadcast.

"I do hope that the action taken by me in progressing this complaint will result in fairness and transparency of the democratic process being applied to all candidates in the future.

"I am satisfied that this ruling of the BAI now requires RTÉ to carry an announcement that my complaint has been upheld."

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