Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy TD has called on the Taoiseach to clarify his reported remarks in New York which were critical of the Irish media and RTÉ’s Primetime in particular.
“It is unfortunate that our head of government chose the occasion of such an important overseas trip to denigrate the Irish media in such an apparently petty fashion, when the more pressing issues of ownership and diversity remain unaddressed.”
Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy TD has called on the Taoiseach to clarify his reported remarks in New York which were critical of the Irish media and RTE’s Primetime in particular.
Deputy Murphy said: “Leo Varadkar’s reported comments while on an official trade and diplomatic mission are inappropriate, particularly given that his reason for being in New York was related to Ireand’s bid for a seat at the United Nations Security Council.
“Freedom of expression and the need for a free and fair press are core United Nations values. It’s just a month since World Press Freedom day which reminded of us the importance of a free, independent and pluralistic media environment.
“Ireland’s media landscape is under considerable threat due to a lack media plurality. This is because too much of our media is concentrated in the hands of a very small number of extremely powerful individuals. “It is unfortunate that our head of government chose the occasion of such an important overseas trip to denigrate the Irish media in such an apparently petty fashion, when the more pressing issues of ownership and diversity remain unaddressed. Today’s reported comments once more show a Taoiseach obsessed with media control and spin.”
ENDS
4 July 2018