RTÉ duped by spoof show prank about Harney quitting

A SPOOF TV programme aired on RTÉ raised few laughs among political staff at the national broadcaster after fuelling a rumour that the Health Minister was set to resign.

RTÉ was forced to issue a statement clarifying that Mary Harney was still in situ after Republic of Telly reporter Jennifer Maguire sparked rumours to the contrary while doorstepping politicians outside Leinster House. A tweet reporting Ms Harney’s department also made its way around.

The vox pops were meant as a spoof for the Republic of Telly programme which airs on RTÉ Two but RTÉ’s political correspondent David McCullagh was not amused.