AS THE ONLY major 32 County party in favour socialist reunification, Sinn Fein's decision to contest all five Irish Euro-constituencies please those who hold the reins of power.
This must have been Southern government's Minister for Communica ions, Jim Mitchell as he signed the statutory order extending section 31 of the Southern Irish Broad.
casting Act for a further year This Act, dating from 1960, allows the government to was first invoked highlighted the rianna Fail government's lack coverage action and implicit support for the British. Justice Minister O' Malley then Post and Telegraph Minister Collins about the 'irresponsible behaviour of RTE in glamorising people well known to have or criminal activities'.
This indirect warning was followed a year later by a directive which told casting any matter that could be calculated to prothe aims or activities of any organisation walch engages In, promoles, vocates the attaining of any particular objective by violent means' The next development was in 1972, when RTE news features editor, I summary or an Interview will sean Mac suotal. Mac Stiofain was subsequently charged with IRA membership and O'Kelly got three months (later reduced to a fine) for contempt of court when he rerusea to deny Mac suorain's voice on tne tape.
After this the government then demanded the RTE Authority discipline O'Kelly.
summarily sacked. ducky sucu culuchies lo druducaster washing that action would be taken against individuals who 'are deemed to have disregarded the Governments' instructions or who have been careless in observing them'.
The cringing self-censorship of RIE, has operated ever since is 1973, Conor Cruise O' Minister for Post and Telegraphs in a coalition government, responded to a television programme about torture of internees by accusing the makers of 'promoting the activities of the IRA'. Tendmen Act wash in Brodaced. This Act for (Amendment) Act was introduced. the first time specifically named both the IRA and binn rein as orcanisations banned from the airwaves. It was made clear by Patrick Cooney Minister responsible for RTE in 1982 that this was to include electoral broadcasts. The Sinn Fein candidate in Cooney's constituency took this to court High Court, the Supreme court upheld the govern. ments censors!
In the 1983 Westminster elections, journalists persuaded the RTE Authority to take up the case again with the government for the sake of their election coverage. The government turned down the application.
In the South where the national question is the dominant issue, Hanna fail aer moping nist one satement Fianna making criticising Thatcher, government leaders are wary about allowing Sinn Fein the opportunity electoral broadcasts provide. comment on their own falures and to denv Sinn Fein the chance to put over its policies and social aims. This would refute the whole 'mindless terrorists' tag.
The battle to get rid of the reactionary Section 31 will be an important part of the coming Trish Euro election campaign.
policies Irish will not In the mind the censor the main television network, RTE.
North of The complained to engaged in subversive RTE to stop 'broadencourages or adKevin O'Kelly broadcast the When they The new imposed Authority which a direct result of this -nen Ene Act for