RTÉ chiefs uneasy with Harris’ Late Late role

SENIOR RTÉ managers have admitted unease that the Late Late Show allowed columnist Eoghan Harris to glorify Taoiseach Bertie Ahern a week before last year’s general election.

At least 600,000 viewers saw Harris, who was subsequently appointed to the Seanad by Mr Ahern after his electoral success last May, praise the personal and political achievements of the Taoiseach and push for his re-election.

RTÉ director-general Cathal Goan and director of news Ed Mulhall both said yesterday they were concerned by Mr Harris’s appearance, given the national broadcaster’s responsibility not to sway public opinion, especially in the crucial days before an election.