Greens fight RTÉ debate exclusion

The Green Party’s legal challenge to RTÉ’s exclusion of Eamon Ryan from a televised party leaders’ debate will be heard at the High Court on Thursday.

The Greens contend Mr Ryan is entitled to be included in the debate, involving seven party leaders, due to be broadcast on Monday next.

RTÉ’s rule that only registered political parties with three elected TDs can participate in such debates is unlawful, unfair, overly rigid and breaches democratic values and RTÉ’s public service obligations, it is claimed.