RTÉ must explain why Andrew McGinley was dropped from Late Late Show – Carrigy

RTÉ must outline their reasons for removing Andrew McGinley, who was due to appear on the Late Late Show to raise funds for his charity As Darragh Did, from the line-up at the last minute, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael Seanad Media Spokesperson, said, “We are hearing today that Andrew McGinley, father of the late Conor, Darragh and Carla, was pulled from appearing on the Late Late Show last month after RTÉ received communication objecting to his appearance.

“Andrew McGinley is known by many across the country for his charity work and social media through which he keeps the memory of his young children alive. He was due to be a guest on the Late Late Show on October 8^th to announce plans for a fundraising concert but said just hours before the show that he would not be appearing.

“According to reports in the media today, he was pulled from the show due to an objection to his appearance received by RTÉ. This seems to have been against the will of Mr McGinley and raises questions regarding the reasons behind RTÉ’s decision.

“Is it standard practice for RTÉ to pull guests due to complaints received from the public? How many complaints have they received in relation to other guests, and have they taken similar actions as a result of these communications? Should this not just be an editorial matter for the Late Late staff rather than for members of the public to decide who appears on the show?

“RTÉ has so far refused to comment on this issue, but they must now come out and outline their exact reasoning for their decision to remove Mr McGinley from the show. Full transparency and clarity is needed when it comes to the actions of our national broadcaster,” concluded Senator Carrigy.