New Gallagher charge must be examined by RTÉ, says Rabbitte

MINISTER FOR Communications Pat Rabbitte has said RTÉ is obliged to examine a complaint by businessman Seán Gallagher that an audience member was primed to put a “hostile” question to him in the final televised presidential election debate last October.

Mr Gallagher yesterday called for an independent inquiry into the Frontlineprogramme over what he described as "disturbing revelations" about how a question was put to him about his record as an employer.

In a statement, Mr Gallagher said he would seek legal advice on his next move and also confirmed he would be writing to Mr Rabbitte today through his solicitors.

Mr Rabbitte said yesterday the new disclosure merited examination. “That matter will have to be looked at. RTÉ are obliged to respond to it in detail,” he said.

Pat McGuirk (43), from Newbliss, Co Monaghan, told the Sunday Independenthe had wanted to ask a question about presidential pay, but after a conversation with the Frontlineteam he had been given a question that asserted that most of the 100 jobs created by Mr Gallagher during the boom were now gone.

RTÉ yesterday strongly disputed Mr McGuirk’s versions of events. Its acting head of current affairs, Steve Carson, maintained the question was solely based on issues Mr McGuirk himself had raised and on the language he had used. He also said the text of the question had been agreed with Mr McGuirk before the show was aired. This was borne out, he said, by an effusive “thank you” email from Mr McGuirk two days later.

A source close to Mr Gallagher said yesterday the Co Louth-based businessman had considered the matter to be closed following the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's decision to uphold his complaint last week that a bogus tweet read out on Frontlineon October 24th last had been unfair. However, yesterday's disclosures had reopened the controversy over Frontline's role and agenda, said the source.

Mr Gallagher said Mr McGuirk’s claim were “deeply disturbing” and “gravely alarming”. It raised “the most fundamental questions about the trustworthiness and impartiality of our national broadcaster”.

He also said RTÉ could not now disregard the calls for a full and proper public inquiry.

Last night Sinn Féin’s presidential candidate Martin McGuinness said RTÉ should not have broadcast the tweet, but added it did not “take away from the fact Seán Gallagher had legitimate questions to answer”.