State papers: RTÉ reporter 'jumped the gun' on Spanish coup

The attempted coup in 1981 was crushed after a few hours when King Juan Carlos of Spain ordered the armed forces to take all necessary measures to put down the revolt, which had held 350 deputies hostage during the attempt to overthrow the government. File picture: AP /Paco Campos,Pool

RTÉ’s coverage of a failed coup in Spain in 1981 was heavily criticised by the Irish ambassador in Madrid for incorrectly suggesting the attempted military takeover of the country was widespread.

The ambassador, Denis Holmes, questioned whether such “powerful material” was really appropriate for broadcasting by RTÉ “under the misleading heading of ‘news’”.