Controls on TV debates urged

The way President Michael D Higgins’ election was “undermined” by the RTÉ tweetgate ambush means tighter controls on television debates must be brought-in, Fianna Fáil has warned.

Party chiefs have written a letter to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) expressing alarm at RTÉ’s response to the furore.

Sean Gallagher — an independent candidate with links to Fianna Fáil — was ahead in the polls as a Frontline debate went to air in Oct 2011, but he lost out heavily to Mr Higgins days later after a disastrous performance on the show.