Broadcasting ban clarified

THE Supreme Court in Dublin yesterday ruled the Irish state broadcasting organisation Radio Telefis Eireann was wrong in imposing a blanket ban on all interviews with members of Sinn Fein.

The judgment followed a legal challenge by a Dublin strike leader and Sinn Fein member, Larry O'Toole, who alleged the network unfairly barred broadcasting of interviews with him.

A less draconian interpretation of the 1960 Irish Broadcasting Act is now likely. Interviews with Sinn Fein members must now be allowed as long as they do not make political statements.