Resignations and Retirements at RTE Ahead of Libel Report

By Henry McDonald
The Guardian
April 3, 2012

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/03/rte-libel-report

Several key figures in Irish state broadcaster RTE have retired or resigned ahead of what is expected to be a damning report into the libelling of a priest the station falsely accused of rape and fathering a child in Africa.

The retirements and resignations will be followed by a further major complaint of alleged editorial bias against defeated Irish presidential candidate Sean Gallagher. A second report is due which will examine Gallagher's claims that biased coverage on the Frontline debate show cost him his lead in the opinion polls in the final week of last autumn's election.

The false allegations against Fr Kevin Reynolds cost RTE ˆ1m in libel damages after the investigative Prime Time Investigates programme Mission to Prey ignored internal legal advice that the priest was ready to take a DNA test to prove the claims against him were wrong.

As well as the loss of key figures in the news and current affairs division, Prime Time Investigates has been scrapped.

Among those leaving their posts is Ed Mulhall, who is retiring as RTE's head of news, while Ken O'Shea has resigned as editor of current affairs.

The moves at the public service broadcaster come less than a week after the station announced spending cuts and the closure of its London office. Several stars of Irish broadcasting are also expected to take large pay cuts as the station seeks to save millions.