Taoiseach ‘doesn’t believe’ member of his team briefed RTÉ on disability carer

By Cate McCurry, PA

Taoiseach Simon Harris has repeated his position that he “doesn’t believe” any member of his team told RTÉ that the disability care worker at the centre of a viral video was a member of Sinn Féin.

He has denied any Fine Gael staff contacted the national broadcaster to remove the now viral social media clip of a much-criticised encounter with Charlotte Fallon.

Mr Harris apologised over the weekend for his handling of the discussion with Ms Fallon while canvassing in Kanturk in Co Cork on Friday evening.

The Taoiseach was accused of dismissing concerns Ms Fallon raised about Government support for the disability sector during the exchange in a supermarket, which was filmed by RTÉ.

It has been confirmed that Ms Fallon is not a member of Sinn Féin.

Asked if he has clarified that the staff member did not contact RTÉ to brief that the carer was a member of Sinn Féin, Mr Harris told reporters: “I’ve asked that question, and I don’t believe that to be the case.

“I’ve asked that question; the contact between my party and RTÉ is the regular contact that happens.

“In fact, I’d imagine it is the regular contact that happens between yourselves and political parties on a several times a day basis as well.

“Can I be very clear, my party is not suing RTE. My party is not seeking to review RTÉ. My party does not get offended by the Late Late Show on RTE. That’s the Sinn Féin party. There is always engagement, constant engagement, back and forth.”

He added that the claim was a “very serious” allegation.

Earlier on Wednesday, Tánaiste Micheal Martin said it was a matter for RTÉ and Fine Gael.

“I just don’t know enough about it, if I’m honest,” he added.

“I don’t know the nature of the engagement between the two… They just simply… I don’t know.

“I’m not up to speed in terms of what transpired, what has been alleged. I’ve heard what’s been alleged now, but I’m not… I don’t know, because I wasn’t involved.

“I don’t support any interference in the editorial autonomy of a broadcast, RTÉ, or indeed media generally.

“Political parties complain or they get on about various… that’s normal and that happens. I just don’t know the nature of what transpired here.”