Sir, - The Late Late Show last Friday reached a new low when the comedian Tommy Tiernan belittled the Mass and Crucifixion in the name of entertainment. Ridicule of any faith, let alone the core tenets and values of the Christian faith held by the majority of people in this country, is simply not acceptable on our national station - particularly on a show aimed at a general audience. Mr Tiernan compounded his offensive routine with a piece on cocaine, the tone of which implied that the use of this drug was just a bit of fun.
There are common-sense standards by which humour which many would regard as vulgar, blasphemous or contrary to society's mores is not suitable for a general audience due to the hurt, offence and embarrassment it causes. Such material must be rated so that potential viewers are under no illusion as to the content and can choose not to see it. The Late Late Show is clearly not a suitable forum for such material. - Yours, etc.,
Avondale Park, Dublin 5.