Harris: Ivan Yates controversy highlights 'legitimate issues' around media transparency 

Coimisiún na Meán confirmed they would be seeking information from both RTÉ and Newstalk about Mr Yates' contributions during the presidential election

Ivan Yates. File picture: RollingNews.ie

Simon Harris says there are “legitimate issues” surrounding transparency in media, after revelations that broadcaster Ivan Yates carried out media training for senior figures in Fianna Fáil, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

The Tánaiste said the media regulator Coimisiún na Meán should examine the matter.

“I think there’s also legitimate issues around transparency in media that I think broadcasters and the regulator in Coimisiún na Meán should consider as well,” Mr Harris said.

“It’s interesting that some organisations have decided to keep their analysis just to the period of the presidential election. I think it’s now very clear that the issue goes beyond the presidential election but that’s a matter for others and I don’t wish to comment on it.” 

On Monday, it was confirmed that Taoiseach Micheál Martin and other senior ministers in Fianna Fáil received media training from Mr Yates.

Mr Yates, a broadcaster and former Fine Gael agriculture minister, was dropped from the Path to Power podcast over revelations surrounding his work for Fianna Fáil, with Newstalk also confirming they were reviewing his contributions on the station in the run-up to the presidential election.

Coimisiún na Meán confirmed they would be seeking information from both RTÉ and Newstalk about Mr Yates' contributions during the election.

Mr Harris said he was frustrated with how the media questioned the Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys about links to Mr Yates when he had worked with the Fianna Fáil candidate.

Fianna Fáil confirmed Jim Gavin received two training sessions with Mr Yates, providing him with preparation for TV interviews and debates.

“It’s now quite clear, not only was he not advising Fine Gael, he was being paid for by another party,” Mr Harris said.

“But the presidential election has happened. President-elect Connolly will be inaugurated next week.

“It’s interesting, all these bits of information will come into the public domain after the election campaign.” 

Mr Harris added that it was an internal Fianna Fáil issue, saying it is a matter for them “who they decide to be trained by”.

Taoiseach: 'It's no secret'

However, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there had been a lack of balance and perspective on how the Ivan Yates issue had been treated.

“All political parties use media training from time to time, Fianna Fáil is no different to any other political party in that respect.

“Indeed Ivan Yates worked for the party in the European elections and in the general election.” Mr Martin said it was “no secret” and that Fianna Fáil would have disclosed it as part of SIPO returns.

“I would take issue with some attemps to conflate the fact that he worked four hours with Jim Gavin and subsequent remarks he made in respect of the presidential, that had nothing to do with Fianna Fáil and we wouldn’t approve of.” 

Mr Martin said the intersection between media, politics, polling companies and pundits is a “very fluid one”