Morning Ireland

Remember, we're just journalists

by Cathal Mac Coille

RTÉ news presenters are not allowed to express political views. We are so used to that tradition of journalism that few listeners, I think, would like it to change.

At a time of crisis, however, the requirement that RTÉ should not express a political or editorial opinion comes under additional stress. It may for example appear to suggest either indifference or bias. Particularly when people have very strong views about the political choices being made or avoided. Even more, when they suffer as a result, as so many people are already suffering.

Here are just three examples of issues that are causing controversy.

1. Is the Government's financial crisis really so severe that welfare benefits paid to blind people have to be cut?

2. Shouldn't the well-to-do pay more in tax to ease the burden on poor people ?

3. Will NAMA work, or waste billions on banks who can't be trusted?

You may hear presenters ask questions that suggest they have definite views on issues like these. You may think the views they appear to have are outrageous. Or sometimes you may feel, perhaps rightly, that an interviewer's questions did not reflect one side of the argument. Our To the Editor section allows you to criticise us directly and to share that criticism with other Morning Ireland listeners.

But remember, presenters are only journalists. Not campaigners, not commentators, and not even critics.