Paul Hosford: Ivan Yates controversy strengthens belief that media/political nexus is too close

While the media commentator's election count coverage does not fall under the guidelines, surely any analysis should be disclosed to the viewer regardless of the law?

Ivan Yates is highly thought of in media and political circles. It's understandable that one might think that if anyone could whip a political newcomer like Jim Gavin into shape, it would be the former 'Tonight Show' host. 

It's very likely that nobody in Fianna Fáil saw the issue.

Ivan Yates is highly thought of in media and political circles. It's understandable that one might think that if anyone could whip a political newcomer like Jim Gavin into shape, it would be the former Tonight Show host. 

Sure, what was two sessions before the campaign kicked off properly?

Whoever made that call, at whatever level, might now be wondering if the juice was worth the squeeze.

The revelations of Yates's work with the Jim Gavin campaign, and with Fianna Fáil more generally, have created a bit of an issue for the party. In real terms: Yes, it's light on scandal.

Man, who has no reason not to, works for political party in an area in which he is eminently qualified. Party pays man to try help its candidate win the election.

But Yates's failure to disclose his work with Fianna Fáil while presenting a podcast on Newstalk, coupled with a viral quote of his which defined much of the presidential election, has created an issue for the party.

Firstly, there are questions around the propriety of a man being paid by a political party and opining on that party's political fortunes without making the viewers or listeners aware. It is not good for politics or media.

It strengthens the belief held some members of the public that the media/political nexus is too close.

Two broadcasters — Newstalk and RTÉ — will be contacted by the media regulator for more information on the issue, Comisiún na Méan confirmed on Monday, while Newstalk said it would carry out a review.

A Newstalk statement read: "Ivan Yates operated as a cover presenter on Newstalk for three days during the presidential campaign on September 23, 24, and 25 from 9am-12pm. Ivan Yates also appeared on a Newstalk podcast relating to the presidential campaign, the first episode of which was published on October 9. 

"Ivan Yates did not inform Newstalk of any conflict of interest relating to the presidential election campaign. This matter is currently under review by Newstalk management."

No rules broken

RTÉ, for its part, is satisfied that no rules were broken within the month of the election campaign.

The national broadcaster said: "Mr Yates was well-established as a media commentator since leaving politics. RTÉ has asked Mr Yates why he did not disclose his involvement with one campaign. 

"Had RTÉ been informed by Mr Yates, we would have advised him that this would have to be disclosed to the audience if he was to participate in any programme. RTÉ is satisfied there was no breach of the election guidelines."

While RTÉ is correct that Yates did not appear in the 30 days covered by election law, he was on RTÉ's election count coverage on the day of the result. While this does not fall under the guidelines, surely any analysis should be disclosed to the viewer regardless of the law?

For Fianna Fáil, it is not so much a question of media transparency as it is coalition cohesion. In a podcast appearance last month, Yates provided Fine Gael with unsolicited advice on how he would best tackle Catherine Connolly’s campaign.

“If you were asking me, okay? So Fine Gael ring me and say: ‘How do we reverse this?’ right?” Mr Yates said to Seán Defoe on Newstalk's Calling It podcast.

“You’re going to be shocked about this now … I would go bullheaded: ‘Do you want a Provo in the park? Is she a Russian asset?’

"I would smear the bejaysus out of her, simply because you’ve nothing to lose."

The clip went viral and led to Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys spending days answering questions on the issue. This, Fine Gael TDs say, is the heart of their issue.

"They left Heather blowing in the wind, knowing he was working for them," one source said.

The feeling among some in Fine Gael is that Taoiseach Micheál Martin could have easily quashed the controversy and taken some of the blowback, but chose not to.

In 2021, Yates launched a media masterclass — a one-day course for "a number of professions which include media engagement". 

He was quoted at that time as saying the course "is genuinely unique, not being procured from textbooks but rather my lifetime learnings by trial and error".

"The tuition is aimed at providing participants with their personalised media plan to be their own best PR person,” he added.

Yates may be the best PR person he has now, but his Fianna Fáil trial may end up proving a much bigger error.