RTÉ Received 1,277 Complaints In Total For Programme That Aired Two Weeks Ago

The Irish Sun has confirmed that the National Broadcaster has received over 1,000 complaints following a special edition programme that aired in the middle of May.

The Claire Byrne Live Referendum Special was especially more heated than the rest of the debates and was remembered because of the louder than normal studio audience.

Of the 1,277 complaints in total about the referendum debate, over 90% of them, (1,150) were related to the claims that the programme had been unfair towards the Yes side.

A spokesperson for RTÉ, however, told the publication that:

“RTE’s Claire Byrne Live Referendum Special gave both the YES and NO campaigns an equal opportunity to air their arguments, which both sides did with commitment and conviction.”

“The presenter consistently requested that speakers and audience show respect for each other’s point of view.

Viewers saw Catholic author and Iona Insititute spokesperson Maria Steen, Obstetrician Dr. John Monaghan and Fianna Fáil TD Mary Butler speak on behalf of the No side.

While on the yes side, viewers heard from former Master of The Maternity Hospital, Holles Street and current chair of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Peter Boylan, Sinn Féin TD Mary Lou McDonald and Together for Yes Co-Director, Orla O’Connor.

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