BROADCASTER PAT Kenny’s proclamation that he would give his number one vote in the presidential election to fellow presenter Gay Byrne has been described as an informal “off-the-cuff” remark by RTÉ.
Kenny spoke to reporters at the Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin on Wednesday night before the opening of the musical Grease, which was also attended by Mr Byrne, who is giving consideration to running for president.
"Of course I'd give him my number one. I mean, I know him so well; he's a pal. Of course you'd give a number one to your pal, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have to give him a very hard time on The Frontlinein the dying days of the campaign," Kenny said.
Reacting to Kenny’s comments, Fine Gael TD Paschal Donohoe yesterday tweeted: “Has Pat Kenny really endorsed Gay Byrne and dismissed every other candidate? If so – how can he moderate/ commentate on [the presidential election]?”
A spokesman for RTÉ stressed Kenny had not been speaking “on-air” and expressed full confidence in his objectivity. Staff would be issued with guidelines for election coverage shortly, the spokesman added.
“Pat Kenny is currently on leave. The comments attributed to Mr Kenny were not made on-air but off-the-cuff and informally at a social event he was attending with his family. Gay Byrne has not as yet declared as a candidate. As the period for nominations closes, RTÉ will be issuing all staff with guidelines for coverage of the election,” the spokesman said.
“RTÉ’s coverage of the presidential election will be fair and balanced. Pat Kenny has an impeccable record as one of Ireland’s leading current affairs presenters, and RTÉ is fully confident in Mr Kenny’s professionalism, objectivity and impartiality.”
Kenny, who made his remarks ahead of Mr Byrne’s controversial comment that Ireland was being “run by mad people in Brussels”, said the political class had not yet produced anyone who had caught the public imagination. He understood why Mr Byrne was the “front-runner”.
“In a kind of a way he’s the father of the nation. I mean, he has always been a great sounding board. He tends to be unerringly wise in his pronouncements, so if that’s what required he’ll do a great job,” Kenny said.
Asked if the offer from Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to facilitate Mr Byrne’s nomination as an Independent candidate could harm Mr Byrne’s chances, Kenny said: “No, I think people will understand it for what it is.”
Potential candidates for the presidency require the support of 20 TDs and/or Senators, or the backing of four county councils.
A Red C poll for Paddy Power bookmakers found Mr Byrne would get 28 per cent of first preference votes. The Labour Party’s declared candidate, Michael D Higgins, was second with 21 per cent. Fine Gael’s declared candidate, Gay Mitchell, scored 13 per cent.
Level with Mr Mitchell was Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South Brian Crowley, who last month wrote to party colleagues confirming his intention to seek the party’s nomination. Independent Seán Gallagher secured 12 per cent, while Independent Mary Davis was at 7 per cent. Mr Gallagher and Ms Davis are confident of securing council support. Dana Rosemary Scallon, rumoured to be considering entering the race, stood at 6 per cent.
The poll also found that almost 40 per cent of people said they would have given Independent Senator David Norris their first preference. Mr Norris withdrew last week. A total of 1,000 people were questioned between Monday and Wednesday of this week.
