Madam, – Garret FitzGerald’s memory of how Telifís Éireann covered the general election in 1965 is odd to say the very least (Opinion, February 26th).
First of all, he was not a commentator. He was hired only to co-ordinate results as they arrived at the Aer Lingus/Bord na Móna computer in Merrion Square.
Nobody ever “blew a whistle” to stop a programme. No programme was ever stopped for a lunch or tea. Programme breaks were for advertising or news only. No panel was “suspended” for anything. Panellists were changed only to give people a break.
His snide comments and self-aggrandisement are very insulting to those who worked so hard to ensure a seamless production that lasted approximately 11 hours. It was smoothly and professionally presented by John O’Donoghue, as will be remembered by older people with less selective memories.
Incidentally, this was a first for Telefís Éireann – the first proportional representation election television coverage in the world. – Yours, etc,