TV3 WELCOMES CALLS BY FIANNA FAIL AND LABOUR FOR ELECTION DEBATES

TV3 GROUP RELEASE
IMMEDIATE: Wednesday 26th January 2011 

• Michael Martin tells TV3 he wants a series of debates
• Eamon Gilmore calls on broadcasters to agree terms
• TV3 ready and willing to host leaders debate

TV3 has welcomed a call by Fianna Fail’s new leader for a series of public debates during the forthcoming General Election campaign.

Micheál Martin, speaking on TV3 News at 5.30, challenged Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore to debates, which he said should be on “all the main channels, including TV3”.

He wants one at the beginning of the campaign, one at the end and one in Irish.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has responded by agreeing in principle to the debates and confirming that he has been in talks with both TV3 and RTE about possible formats. He wants all political parties and broadcasters to sit down immediately and agree a plan.

TV3 has held discussions over the past year with each of the three big political parties with the intention of staging a major national television debate during the general election and is offering to host either one of the debates as Ireland’s national independent television broadcaster. All parties have welcomed TV3’s consultation process and contributed to the formation of the broadcaster’s plans.

The participants would be the leaders of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Labour Party with other parties facilitated with airtime during the campaign on Tonight with Vincent Browne. TV3 has based its proposal on Oireachtas rules around speaking rights in the Dail. The debate would be conducted within strict guidelines to ensure fairness, objectivity and impartiality. These will be decided with party representatives.

Director of election coverage Bob Hughes said: “Debates between party leaders on national television are now a vital part of the democratic process. They give voters a chance to see our potential Taoisigh debate the crucial issues in depth. As Ireland’s independent national broadcaster, TV3 is ready and willing to host a leader’s debate.”

TV3 will be announcing its detailed election plans later in the week.

ENDS

For further information & Interviews:
Maureen Catterson
TV3 PRESS OFFICE
+353 1 419 3430
+353 87 7800 737
Maureen.catterson@tv3.ie
publicity@tv3.ie
www.tv3.ie