Censored: FF gags radio stations on eve of poll

FIANNA FÁIL intervened to censor radio stations yesterday from broadcasting a number of news stories ahead of today's local and European elections.

Fianna Fáil HQ complained to the broadcasting watchdog that the reports could influence how people will vote in today's election.

RTÉ were not constrained from covering stories on union objections to decentralisation, possible cuts in the Garda Síochána and threats of a strike by bus and train workers. However, on foot of complaints from Fianna Fáil, independent stations were gagged by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI), which regulates all independent stations, including Today FM.

Under BCI rules, independent stations are not allowed to broadcast any material which might influence the outcome of an election or referendum on the day before polling and on the day itself. RTÉ also self-impose this moratorium, yet decided the stories did not interfere with the election campaigns.It is understood that Fianna Fáil also complained to RTÉ about an appearance by Green Party TD John Gormley on Morning Ireland yesterday in a debate on the pungent smell emanating from the Ringsend waste treatment plant.

The move by Fianna Fáil to silence the independent radio stations, which command around half the country's listenership, from covering standard news stories yesterday was condemned by opposition parties and trade unions last night.

Fianna Fáil complained about the coverage of the decentralisation and garda station stories on a number of stations. "Fianna Fáil's view is that the stories were in breach of the BCI guidelines. The final decision rests with the BCI," a FF spokesperson said.Apart from banning stations from covering these two stories, the BCI subsequently restricted news bulletins featuring the threatened bus and rail strike.

Fine Gael described Fianna Fáil attempts to gag the media as desperate and sinister, and Labour said the BCI had backed down in the face of pressure from Fianna Fáil.

The National Bus and Rail Workers Union said it was blatant political interference by a political party and that people deserved to know there may be disruption to services.

National Union of Journalists secretary Seamus Dooley accused the BCI of being heavy-handed and confusing news and election stories. Today FM head of news Ian Noctor said the station was amazed by the approach and said he had never experienced anything like it before. "We mentioned public affairs stories as usual and the BCI felt these could potentially influence the electorate. We think this is way, way above the call of duty," he said.

The BCI is directly answerable to the Government and board members are appointed by the Minister for Communications.