FF MEP’s decision to link political coverage to RTÉ licence fee sets dangerous precedent – Doherty

The decision by a senior Fianna Fáil politician to link political coverage to a potential cut in the RTÉ licence fee sets a dangerous precedent, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty has said.

Minister Doherty, a Meath East TD, commented: “Public Service Broadcasting, and indeed a free media, are critical components to any democratic society.

“It is completely unacceptable for any politician to link the political coverage they and their colleagues receive to a potential cut in the RTÉ licence fee. And to do so in the middle of the General Election campaign is even more worrying.

“This sets a dangerous precedent and I would expect Micheál Martin to publicly state whether he agrees with Billy Kelleher’s late night tweet.

“We saw the value of Public Service Broadcasting during the first phase of the Brexit negotiations.

“RTÉ’s Europe Editor Tony Connelly was to the fore of that and his exemplary, impartial coverage was deeply valued by the Irish public.

“Billy Kelleher has already shown bizarre behaviour by threatening to vote against the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement– before being slapped down by his party leader.

“Time will tell as to whether Micheál Martin will take the same approach following his MEP’s threat to the national broadcaster.”