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THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY of Ireland has received more than 100 complaints about the appearance of Rory O’Neill, aka Panti, on the Saturday Night Show and the subsequent apology by RTÉ.
The BAI confirmed that the “majority” of the complaints are “related to RTÉ’s decision to issue an apology” to a number of people who were mentioned in the initial interview of 11 January.
Others related to reports of compensation paid by the broadcaster.
“The BAI is in the process of acknowledging receipt of these complaints,” a spokesperson told TheJournal.ie.
“The normal complaint process applies where an individual is required to address their complaint to the broadcaster first and, in the event that they are not satisfied with the response received, they can then refer the matter to the BAI.”
On the issue of compensation, she noted that the BAI only considers complaints relating to broadcast content.
Any corporate decision of the broadcaster would not be considered under the broadcasting complaints process.
Following queries by TheJournal.ie, RTÉ said it would not comment on a claim by the Iona Institute that damages are to be paid to individuals as a result of the initial comments.
The presenter of the Saturday Night Show, Brendan O’Connor apologised for any “upset or distress” caused to journalist and broadcaster John Waters, Breda O’Brien and some members of the Iona institute, by comments made by a guest suggesting that they “are homophobic”.
He referred to an interview with O’Neill who spoke about homophobia in Ireland.
During the 25 January show, O’Connor said:
Now, on the Saturday night show two weeks ago comments were made by a guest suggesting the journalist and broadcaster John Waters, Breda O’Brien and some members of the Iona Institute are homophobic. These are not the views of RTÉ and we would like to apologise for any upset or distress caused to the individuals named or identified. It is an important part of democratic debate that people must be able to hold dissenting views on controversial issues.
The episode of the Saturday Night Show that featured the interview with O’Neill was removed from the RTÉ Player for a period of time. When it was replaced, part of O’Neill’s interview had been cut short, with legal concerns cited as the reason.
Protest
Meanwhile, LGBT Noise has said that it will hold a protest at 2pm on Sunday 2 February on South King Street, outside the Gaiety Theatre, on this issue.
The organisation said that the event will be for the LGBT community and supporters to respond to the recent controversy over comments made by LGBT rights advocate O’Neill on the Saturday Night Show.
LGBT Noise said it objects “to post-censoring of Rory O’Neill’s comments, the subsequent apology made by RTE to individuals and the Iona Institute, and the use of TV licence-fees to pay compensation”.
- Additional reporting Aoife Barry
She is a hero
I seriously have so much admiration and respect for this lady.
This story has recieved a mere 2500+ views compared to the 28,000+ attributed to the story about the shooting in the U.S!!
Makes you wonder what the people of our country think about its people!!
It’s about time this was sorted out, it’s a pity somebody had to die because of it.
Cost of repairing Priory Hall €10million approx / Government pledge to overseas aid €60 million.
Don’t think money was the issue with the state, to be fair! It was a private development that crossed paths with a public body in terms of planning. But the state can’t just write a cheque that easily and its a legal nightmare for everyone! Thankfully the saga appears to have an end in sight!
And what is the cost of going after the IRA builder who built it? Surely he should have to pay most of the 10 million euros?
the ‘ira’ builder…………get a life you troll.
He’s bankrupt. I say chuck him in jail till he pays. ..oh no wait its ireland after all
He has claimed British citizenship to qualify for bankruptcy in the UK. Bet the Sinn Fein lads didn’t like that move by this former hunger striker. You have been v silent on this one Gerry
IRA/SF builder.
I live in Roscrea Co. Tipperary and Tom McFeely built a number if houses at the end of my road which have been abandoned since he became bankrupt and are now vandalised and people are dumping on the sight. The first few to leave began dumping and by that the place became inhospitable for the rest, they all seemed to be renting and towards the end were playing rent to an English company and I think there is only a couple of windows left all have been broken. What a waste of perfectly good houses. They’ve ruined our whole estate which I used to love living in now I am disgusted every day as I drive past those houses!!
We have a harrowing history of forced evictions in Ireland. I can’t believe that we have allowed ourselves -through Government (past and present), our banks and our property developers, but also through our own lack of foresight; to see ourselves as a people in a similar position again.
The Easter Rising leaders must be turning in their graves..
Is this what we have achieved with our unfettered destinies?
This story has nothing to do with forced evictions. Agenda much?
I really would hope that people could have a bit of compassion and understanding for these innocent victims for the lack of proper regulation and standards in the Construction industry. I agree that most people are very supportive and genuinely want this to end. My Child and 88 of her Neighbours have been to Hell and back since 2007 when these apartments first opened. The “Banks” had these death traps inspected on at least 89 separate occasions and no major faults were reported. Coleport The Construction company had a CV with a massive list of failed developments yet they were left with a license to continue to construct death traps. These people were failed by our Government, the Department for the Environment, the Developers and the Banks . It really all came down to GREED & PROFITEERING. If there is any justice most of these Bastards will roast in hell. Every single one of them should be named and shamed, they all have blood on their hands.
Sad state of affairs when it takes a man to take his own life before the government gets its finger out to sort the issue.
Stephanie Meehan should be paid to attend the meeting with the Minister and all the Priory Hall parties. She should have the power to say who said what at these meetings. She is such a capable lady and could cut through the delaying tactics bullshit of all these “experts” These guys need the constant reminder that the crazy delays from all sides have ruined and cost lives.
Brave lady.
I hope KBC choke on the money
That poor woman has been through a lot I hope it is all sorted out soon for that poor woman & the rest of priory hall residents
Not only should it all have been sorted…they ‘Priory Hall Homeowners’ should now also be compensated for the distress it has caused, small comport I know.. thoughts are with you still Stephanie.
have your say