Section 31-style censorship still applies to RSF

national | politics / elections | press release Tuesday March 06, 2007 21:59 by True Republican

RSF were denied the opportunity to address the key issues facing the electorate ahead of the March 7th poll.

SECTION 31-STYLE CENSORSHIP STILL APPLIES TO RSF

The treatment of those attending RTÉ's Questions & Answers Election Special in Belfast as representatives of Republican Sinn Féin's election team was reminiscent of the days of Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act. Despite submitting some twenty questions to the panel, not one of these was tabled. Assurances were given that the candidate for Fermanagh/South Tyrone would be given an opportunity to speak, but no such opportunity was given.

Mick McManus – RSF candidate for Fermanagh/South Tyrone – sought to ask a question from the floor, but was not selected by Mr. Bowman. Likewise, the Election Agent for Brendan McLaughlin (RSF candidate for Mid-Ulster) attempted to ask a question from the floor, but was also denied this opportunity.

Only the Election Agent for the candidate for Fermanagh/South Tyrone, Tony McPhillips, succeeded in asking a question from the floor. The presenter, John Bowman, repeatedly sought to cut him short.

It is clear that those involved in the programme had no intention of allowing Republican Sinn Féin's message to be heard by the people ahead of the March 7th poll. This is particularly ironic in light of the fact that the invitation to Republican Sinn Féin was issued in the immediate aftermath of a statement released by the organisation's President, Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, which had expressed concern at the media's refusal to afford Republican Sinn Féin fair coverage for the campaign.

ENDS