RTÉ forced to apologise over item on Cowen portraits

RTÉ was forced to apologise to Brian Cowen last night over a news broadcast concerning nude portraits of the Taoiseach mysteriously hung in two Dublin galleries.

It marks a further deterioration in the relationship between the Government and the national broadcaster, which has been severely strained in recent months.

The report formed part of RTÉ One’s Nine O’Clock News on Monday night, and told how an unknown prankster had hung one of the portraits in the National Gallery and the other in the RHA Gallery, without the knowledge of staff.

A Government spokes- man yesterday confirmed he had contacted RTÉ director general Cathal Goan shortly after the broadcast on Monday night and made a formal complaint on the Taoiseach’s behalf.

“It was totally inappropriate and they [RTÉ] accepted it,” the spokesman said.

The prank was first reported in the Sunday newspapers, but did not appear to irritate the Government.

It is understood the Government took no issue with those articles because they simply outlined how the stunt had occurred.

By contrast, the Government felt RTÉ’s report had poked fun at the Taoiseach, and made the complaint on that basis.

On last night’s 9pm news, presenter Eileen Dunne read out an apology on RTÉ’s behalf.

“RTE would like to apologise for any personal offence to Mr Cowen or his family, or for any disrespect shown to the office of the Taoiseach by our broadcast.”

Prior to the apology, Fianna Fáil TD Michael Kennedy had called on Mr Goan to “consider his position”, claiming the news report had been tasteless.

“The item represented a gross insult to the position of An Taoiseach, not to mention a personal affront to the dignity of the man himself,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Regardless of who the incumbent is, the position of An Taoiseach deserves respect, especially from our national public service broadcaster.”