Taoiseach ‘doesn’t believe’ member of his team briefed RTE on disability carer

Taoiseach Simon Harris has repeated his position that he “doesn’t believe” any member of his team told RTE that the disability care worker at the centre of a viral video was a member of Sinn Fein.

He has denied any Fine Gael staff contacted the national broadcaster to remove the now viral social media clip of a much-criticised encounter with Charlotte Fallon.

Mr Harris apologised over the weekend for his handling of the discussion with Ms Fallon while canvassing in Kanturk in Co Cork on Friday evening.

The Taoiseach was accused of dismissing concerns Ms Fallon raised about Government support for the disability sector during the exchange in a supermarket, which was filmed by RTE.

It has been confirmed that Ms Fallon is not a member of Sinn Fein.

Asked if he has clarified that the staff member did not contact RTE to brief that the carer was a member of Sinn Fein, Mr Harris told reporters: “I’ve asked that question, and I don’t believe that to be the case.

“I’ve asked that question; the contact between my party and RTE is the regular contact that happens.

“In fact, I’d imagine it is the regular contact that happens between yourselves and political parties on a several times a day basis as well.

“Can I be very clear, my party is not suing RTE. My party is not seeking to review RTE. My party does not get offended by the Late Late Show on RTE. That’s the Sinn Fein party. There is always engagement, constant engagement, back and forth.”

He added that the claim was a “very serious” allegation.

Earlier on Wednesday, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said it was a matter for RTE and Fine Gael.

“I just don’t know enough about it, if I’m honest,” he added.

“I don’t know the nature of the engagement between the two… They just simply… I don’t know.

“I’m not up to speed in terms of what transpired, what has been alleged. I’ve heard what’s been alleged now, but I’m not… I don’t know, because I wasn’t involved.

“I don’t support any interference in the editorial autonomy of a broadcast, RTE, or indeed media generally.

“Political parties complain or they get on about various… that’s normal and that happens. I just don’t know the nature of what transpired here.”