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THE COVERAGE of the Tubridy circus by RTÉ journalists has been extensive and unrestricted by Montrose management but defences have been mounted in more ways than one. Media reports spoke last weekend of how RTÉ declined to comment on what role if any its commercial director, Geraldine O’Leary, had in the matter. But the station told the Sindo that, while it was intent on appropriate accountability, it was also mindful of individuals’ rights.
RTÉ told its editors and news desks that individual press officers would handle outside media queries concerning its senior executives but PR firm Q4 would deal with queries to or about RTÉ board members.
However, certain individuals have also lawyered up and when the Sindo contacted Geraldine O’Leary she referred the newspaper to solicitor Bernard McEvoy of Philip Lee Solicitors.
The Sunday Times also tried to put queries to O’Leary but were directed to McEvoy, who made it clear that any defamatory comments about his client would be met with stern legal action.
O’Leary would, however, co-operate with any investigations into the controversy, the solicitor said.
So, that’s a battery of press officers – RTÉ’s press office is larger than any government department – one of Dublin’s top PR firms (Q4) and more than one individual (Tubridy and O’Leary for starters) guarded by lawyers. The legal bills will surely not be bartered.
