Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan has hit out at RTÉ for the timing of its drama series about the hepatitis C scandal. In a TV interview, Mr Noonan questioned RTÉ's decision to screen "No Tears" during the run-up to a general election.
He said that he would have no objection if it was a documentary based on facts, but it contained scenes, which, he said, were concocted for dramatic purposes, not related to facts. Mr Noonan said: "So close to an election, to make up for dramatic purposes events which never happened which portray me in a bad light is not only unfair but legally risky for RTÉ."
Mr Noonan said that it remained to be seen whether he had been damaged by the series, but he said that he himself had acted honestly and that the Fennelly Tribunal into the affair had concluded that he had acted appropriately. He said that he was prepared to let the facts speak for themselves.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD for Mayo Enda Kenny today urged party members to support Mr Noonan fully despite recent opinion poll setbacks. A survey published in the Irish Times on Friday showed Mr Noonan's personal rating was 31% - lower than the 37% registered by John Bruton when he was ousted as Fine Gael leader a year ago.
Mr Kenny, who was defeated by Mr Noonan in the leadership election last year, said on RTÉ radio that Mr Noonan's dilemma was Fine Gael's challenge. He said that Mr Noonan was entitled to the full support of the party.
