Taoiseach Simon Harris has reiterated his stance that he “doesn’t believe” any of his staff informed RTÉ that the disability care worker featured in a viral video was affiliated with Sinn Féin, reports Breaking News.
He has rejected claims that any Fine Gael personnel reached out to the national broadcaster to ask for the removal of the now-popular social media clip showcasing a controversial interaction with Charlotte Fallon.
Mr. Harris expressed regret over the weekend regarding his approach to the conversation with Ms. Fallon while campaigning in Kanturk, Co Cork, on Friday evening, reports Breaking News.
The Taoiseach faced criticism for allegedly trivializing the issues Ms. Fallon raised concerning Government support for the disability sector during their encounter in a supermarket, which was recorded by RTÉ.
It has been confirmed that Ms. Fallon is not associated with Sinn Féin.
When questioned about whether he had clarified that no staff member contacted RTÉ to suggest that the caregiver was linked to Sinn Féin, Mr. Harris responded to reporters: “I’ve asked that question, and I don’t believe that to be the case. I’ve asked that question; the contact between my party and RTÉ is the regular contact that happens. In fact, I’d imagine it is the regular contact that happens between yourselves and political parties on a several times a day basis as well. Can I be very clear, my party is not suing RTE. My party is not seeking to review RTÉ. My party does not get offended by the Late Late Show on RTE. That’s the Sinn Féin party. There is always engagement, constant engagement, back and forth,” reports Breaking News.
“I just don’t know enough about it, if I’m honest. I don’t know the nature of the engagement between the two… They just simply… I don’t know. I’m not up to speed in terms of what transpired, what has been alleged. I’ve heard what’s been alleged now, but I’m not… I don’t know, because I wasn’t involved. I don’t support any interference in the editorial autonomy of a broadcast, RTÉ, or indeed media generally,” he added, reports Breaking News.
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