FF Senator Jim Walsh calls for RTE to be dismantled after 'chilling' interview on abortion

A Fianna Fáil Senator has called for RTE to be dismantled and described as "chilling" an interview between broadcaster Ray Darcy and Amnesty's Colm O'Gorman in which access to abortion was discussed.

Speaking in the Seanad, Jim Walsh said: "The cynicism and cold blooded intent of killing unborn babies was chilling (and) not good enough for a national broadcaster".

A complaint against the show was upheld by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland yesterday.

Senator Walsh also made reference to the "abortion holocaust" which he says is being supported by RTE and other international bodies.

He said: "Perhaps it's time for us to get together and refuse to pay our RTE licence fee. Certainly it would not be my intention that the pro-abortion, pro-killing of unborn babies policy which is endemic in RTE would be allowed to continue."

He added: "…We are funding the overpaid salaries in RTE. There are people who earn up to €500,000 a year for jobs that do not require a great deal of qualifications. I ask for a debate in this House on the lack of impartiality and balance in our national broadcaster."