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.