Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not know the background to the entire case other than to say that such a development has a chilling effect on public debate and on democracy. Of that there is no doubt. When the national broadcaster is sued by any organisation of considerable clout and heft, obviously the national broadcaster is taking a cautious position here and because of the fear of being sued will not broadcast the interview. That is something that demands greater transparency and explanation.

I found it intriguing that apparently a political party got access to the interview to listen to it prior to it being known. I do not think I was ever afforded that opportunity as the Leader of the Opposition - I stand to be corrected. Someone may have said, "Listen, have a listen to that there. Do you think we have permission to publish it?" It may not have been exactly in those terms. I do not think RTÉ was saying, "Give us permission to report." I am paraphrasing there which would not be correct I assume, but nonetheless-----

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