RTÉ's The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty back on set(Image: Andres Poveda)

Sinn Féin demand apology from RTE over Patrick Kielty 'traitor' comment on Late Late Show

Sinn Fein has accused RTÉ of “electoral interference” after Patrick Kielty made the controversial remark during the opening monologue of Friday's show

by · Irish Mirror

Sinn Fein have called for an apology from RTÉ following a controversial remark made by host Patrick Kielty on The Late Late Show on Friday night.

The Co Down presenter was discussing the upcoming Irish version of the hit reality franchise The Traitors during his opening monologue, when he made reference to the party.

During the sequence, Mr Kielty said: "We begin tonight with showbiz news as the hunt is on for people to take part in the Irish version of the hit reality show The Traitors".

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Asking if there were any Traitors fans, The Late Late Show host was met with cheers.

He continued, "If you haven’t actually seen the show, trust me, you’re in for a treat, folks.

"It’s so good. It’s full of deception and betrayal; everybody keeps changing their stories.

"All we have to do is work out who’s telling the truth," he explained as photographs of Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and former TD Brian Stanley, who resigned from the party last weekend, appeared on the screen.

“I think that’s the first two contestants there. Sinn Féin traitors, the show we all want to see.”

RTÉ's The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty(Image: Andres Poveda)

The remark was met with some boos from the studio audience.

Speaking to Colm Ó Mongáin on RTÉ radio this afternoon, Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell demanded an apology from the broadcaster over the comments.

The Galway West TD was asked about immigration policy when she cut across the host to criticise Kielty's comments and point out that "Sinn Féin traitors" is a phrase commonly used among Ireland's far right.

“There needs to be a public apology on air next week and also RTÉ needs to remove the segment” from the RTÉ Player. She said it was “really important” because Mary Lou McDonald “has literally received death threats” relating to the term traitor.

The host directed Farrell to take her concerns up with RTÉ Corporate which she confirmed that the party already had.

Sinn Féin has also issued a statement accusing RTÉ of "electoral interference" as they confirmed the party has raised the matter with RTÉ’s Director General.

“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.”

In a statement to the Irish Mirror, an RTÉ spokesperson said that The Late Late Show has "become more satirical and this is evident with an opening monologue based broadly around topical issues”.

Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

“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.

“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 said that satire is “a core part of freedom of expression” and that targeting prominent figures and institutions that feature in the news “has been the template for the opening monologue with Patrick”.

The broadcaster also said the show deals with serious topics but that there is a clear distinction between those segments and the comedic parts of the show.

“Sinn Féin is entitled to bring a formal complaint and information has been provided to assist with that,” the statement said.

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