European Parliament candidate Ben Gilroy takes High Court action against RTÉ over exclusion from televised debates
Anti-eviction campaigner, Ben Gilroy, with Yellow Vest Ireland in 2018. Image: PA Wire/PA Images Anti-eviction campaigner, Ben Gilroy, with Yellow Vest Ireland in 2018. Image: PA Wire/PA Images A CASE INVOLVING the right of a European Parliament candidate to participate in a debate on RTÉ ahead of this month’s election will be heard in the High Court today.
He claims that he was informed by RTÉ in writing on 7 May that he had not been invited to appear on any of its debates, which will take place from Sunday, as he had not met the criteria to take part.However, the broadcaster confirmed earlier this month that not all would be invited to take part in its debates, which it wanted to ensure were “as informative and coherent as possible” for television viewers.
However, Gilroy launched legal proceedings after claiming that these criteria violated the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s guidelines for covering elections.Court summons show that the businessman, who was jailed for contempt of court earlier this year, alleges the broadcaster is in breach of Rule 27, which requires fairness, objectivity and impartiality in its coverage of elections.
The summons also state that Gilroy is “a unique individual in the election campaign” who has different views to the rest of the candidates he expects will take part. He claims that RTÉ cannot deprive him of an opportunity to debate issues that are central to the European elections on its flagship programmes.
She explained that candidates were invited if they were already elected as an MEP, TD, councillor or Senator.
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