RTE considers move on Coughlan judgement

RTE is still considering whether to appeal against a recent High Court judgement in favour of the anti-Amsterdam Treaty campaigner…

RTE is still considering whether to appeal against a recent High Court judgement in favour of the anti-Amsterdam Treaty campaigner, Mr Anthony Coughlan, which obliged the station to allocate uncontested broadcasts to the Yes and No sides.

Government sources said last night there would be no early decision by the Cabinet on what steps to take in response to the McKenna judgement of 1995 which prevents the State from funding just one side of the argument in referendum campaigns.

There is considerable frustration in Government circles at the restrictions placed on it during the campaigns. However, a review of the way the campaigns were conducted is not on the agenda for today's Cabinet meeting.

"The Government is conscious that something needs to be done, but the process to substantially deal with the issue will not start right away, apart from an informal review", one source said.

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An RTE spokeswoman said yesterday the station was still seeking legal advice on the Coughlan judgement. Following the judgement, RTE decided not to allocate any uncontested broadcasts.