RTÉ defends LLS 'traitors' remark after call for apology

RTÉ has defended what it described as a joke made by Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty which used the term "the Sinn Fein Traitors" during last night's programmme.

Sinn Féin called for an immediate apology, saying the reference amounted to "electoral interference" and has raised concerns in correspondence to the RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst.

In a statement, the party said: "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."

During a satirical sequence at the opening of last night's show, Mr Kielty said: "The hunt is on for people to take part in the Irish version of the hit reality show, The Traitors."

It was followed by images on the screen of Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald and former party TD Brian Stanley, who announced his resignation from the party last weekend.

In a letter to the RTÉ Director General this morning, Sinn Féin described the item as shocking and entirely inappropriate.

It said the phrase "traitors" has been used repeatedly in reference to the party by far right anti-immigration protestors.

The party's head of communications, Robbie Smyth, said it was appropriate for Mr Kielty to issue a public apology on air next week and through RTÉ's broadcast channels.

Earlier the party's Galway West TD, Mairéad Farrell, said "Sinn Féin traitors" was a "slogan associated with the far right".

Speaking on RTÉ's Saturday with Colm Ó Mongáin, she said RTÉ also "needs to remove this segment" from the RTÉ Player.

Ms Farrell said the party has made a complaint in relation to the comment.

She added that Ms McDonald has received death threats previously.

Satire a 'core part of freedom of expression' - RTÉ

RTÉ's has defended the item, saying satire is a "core part of freedom of expression".

In a statement, 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".

"This is now a well-established part of the format and there is an audience expectation that the show will open with a satirical take on events of the week," RTÉ said.

The statement said: "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.

"That was the satirical context, given the recent controversies involving Sinn Féin.

"The comedic and satirical aspect of this section was further re-enforced with an implicit joke about the House of Windsor.

"The audience understand this and the comedic nature is clearly evident in the tone and delivery of the monologue."

RTÉ also said that "satire is a core part of freedom of expression and its targets are prominent figures, institutions, etc making the news and this has been the template for the opening monologue with Patrick.

"Aside from the entertainment and comedic aspects of the show, it also deals with serious issues and human interest stories.

"These are clearly differentiated in the show format and the past year featured interviews with political leaders, including First Minister Michelle O'Neill.

"Sinn Féin is entitled to bring a formal complaint and information has been provided to assist with that."