Sir, - RTE is usually rigorous in ensuring its on-air presenters refrain from promoting their personal preferences or views on matters of current public interest. In elections, RTE is required by its charter and the Broadcasting Act to maintain fairness, balance and probity.
RTE has clearly departed from this legal requirement in regard to Vincent Browne, who, as the presenter of a major current affairs programme, has indicated his vehement opposition to the election of Rosemary Scallon.
This raises the questions: What redress, in terms of damages and compensatory air-time, does the injured candidate now have? Under what section of the Broadcasting Act may she seek redress and under what other statute may RTE be made accountable for what appears to be gross dereliction of its duties? I merely ask. - Yours, etc.,
Edenvale Road, Dublin 6.