RTÉ defends its coverage of Bertie at tribunal

DEPUTY John Cregan (Letters, March 1) expresses concern about the RTÉ News Six One bulletin of February 21.

The appearance of the Taoiseach for two days at the Mahon Tribunal was a significant news story. Not only RTÉ but all other media, including the Irish Examiner, gave it substantial coverage and Dáil Éireann debated it the following week.

The RTÉ Six One News was co-presented from Dublin Castle on both Thursday and Friday in recognition of this and also to allow the presenter to attend and be fully briefed on proceedings. It is not the case that other news stories were neglected by us as a result of our coverage of Mahon.

On the same day, the RTÉ Six One News covered 16 other stories, as well as business and a comprehensive sports bulletin.

These included the stories cited by the deputy about difficulties at Aer Lingus and potential job losses in Cork.

I do not accept that our coverage of Mahon was either sensationalised or inappropriate.

Cillian De Paor

Managing Editor

RTÉ News

Donnybrook

Dublin 4