RTÉ and Sinn Féin refute Taoiseach's claims over Shane Ross interview being pulled

Micheál Martin had told the Dáil that 'greater transparency and explanation' was required from the broadcaster over why the interview was never broadcast

Shane Ross has written a book about Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.

RTÉ and Sinn Féin have denied claims made by Taoiseach Micheál Martin regarding the broadcaster pulling an interview with Shane Ross about his book on Mary Lou McDonald.

Mr Martin had told the Dáil on Tuesday that "greater transparency and explanation" is required from RTÉ as to why the interview was never broadcast.

He suggested RTÉ were "taking a cautious position here because of a fear of being sued" and told the Dáil it had a "chilling effect" on democracy and public debate.

The Taoiseach added that Sinn Féin had been given access to the recorded interview before it was due to go on air.

Both RTÉ and Sinn Fein have denied the claims made by Mr Martin.

RTÉ have said the interview with former minister Shane Ross was pre-recorded and the decision to drop it was not influenced by any legal issues.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: "It is a matter for RTÉ what they choose to broadcast, or not. It is highly unusual for the Fianna Fáil leader to use Dáil time in this way; particularly when his information is completely incorrect — Sinn Féin did not receive a copy of any interview, nor was it sought.”

In a statement RTÉ said: "Broadcasters have editorial independence to decide what they cover and broadcast. That is a principle the BAI acknowledge.

"With many competing stories and items each day, it is not unusual for a pre-recorded interview not to be broadcast.

"In this instance, the decision not to broadcast was an editorial decision and was not influenced by any legal issues.

"RTÉ can also confirm that no one was given access to the recorded interview."

Mr Martin was responding to Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe, who raised serious concerns about the fact the national broadcaster decided not the air an interview with Mr Ross on his book about the Sinn Féin leader.

Mr Kehoe said RTÉ was a "publicly funded organisation" that gets millions of euro of taxpayers' funding each year and which has a "duty of public service and public broadcasting".

"I'm not sure what they are afraid of or who they are afraid of or what they are hiding. But this is censorship of the highest orders.

"I believe it has some very serious consequences for a national broadcaster and it's a very worrying development. And as I say, Shane Ross was able to give was able to give interviews to Newstalk, Today FM and other independent radio stations but RTÉ, I believe, have questions to answer," he told the Dáil.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said on Wednesday: "The Taoiseach was asked a question in the Dáil on order of business and answered in good faith.

"He gave his measured view on the need for further explanation on the interview, and that suing the national broadcaster can have a chilling effect on public debate."