The High Court has dismissed the case brought against RTE by European elections candidate and anti-eviction activist Ben Gilroy.
Mr Gilroy has stated that RTE only giving airtime to the “same old cronies” gives them an unfair advantage in the upcoming elections which is a breach of the of the core principle of the broadcaster which is ostensibly of fairness and impartiality.
The prospective candidate had sought an apology from RTE after the state broadcaster after refusing to allow him and other non-establishment candidates to take part in live debates.
However, in a predictable outcome, Mr Justice Senan Allen today said the recourse sought by Mr Gilroy was “unknown to the law”.
David Nally the managing editor of RTÉ current affairs presented an affidavit stating that candidates’ previous election performances were used as criteria in the selection process and this is why 40 of the countries 59 EU parliament candidates are excluded from live debates.
In reaction to the ruling outside the High Court on Tuesday Mr Gilroy said this ruling is “the system protecting the system” and reasserted his opinion that RTE’s exclusion of candidates is an “infringement on the electoral process in this country”.
In closing Mr Justice Allen went on to award costs against Mr. Gilroy and expressed his desire to to seek an interlocutory order to terminate any further action against RTÉ by Mr. Gilroy
Some online have alleged that the true reason for this exclusion of non-establishment candidates is done to avoid mainstream candidates being challenged with opinions and facts that are potentially Eurosceptic.
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