Sinn Féin accuses RTÉ of 'electoral interference' over Kielty 'traitors' comment

James Cox

Sinn Féin is accusing RTÉ of electoral interference after comments made on The Late Late Show last night.

In a statement, the party is calling for an immediate apology from the national broadcaster.

It comes after Patrick Kielty used the term "Sinn Féin traitors" during last night's show, according to RTÉ.

Sinn Féin said Mary Lou McDonald has been the subject of death threats, where the moniker "traitor" has been used.

The statement read: "Mary Lou McDonald has been the subject of death threats, where the moniker 'traitor' has been used.

"Repeating inaccurate, far-right tropes on the Late Late Show, weeks out from a General Election, can only be considered electoral interference. RTÉ should immediately apologise."

RTÉ said that under Patrick Kielty's tenure, The Late Late Show has become more satirical and this is evident with an opening monologue based broadly around topical issues.

It said there is an audience expectation the show will open with a satirical take on events of the week.

In a statement, it says in this instance, the presenter joked about recruitment for the new television series Traitors, which is based on a group of people facing, and being tested by various challenges.

It said that was the satirical context, given the recent controversies involving Sinn Féin.

During the sequence, Mr Kielty said "the hunt is on for people to take part in the Irish version of the hit reality show, The Traitors".

Photos of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and TD Brian Stanley, who resigned from the party last week, were then shown on the screen.

"I think that's the first two contestants there," Mr Kielty said. "Sinn Féin traitors, the show we all want to see."