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NPR
America's main public broadcaster is not happy with our ministers
Not happy. Not one little bit.
Updated 11.15pm
IRELAND’S POLITICIANS ARE some of the most incompetent in the world, according to reporters from America’s National Public Radio.
The broadcaster’s International Bureau Producer Rich Preston yesterday tweeted that, having covered current affairs across Europe, the US and Africa – Irish politicians topped the list as most unprofessional.
This came after three separate ministers cancelled their interviews with the broadcaster at the last minute, according to NPR.
This evening, a government source said they were trying to establish who the ministers are in a bid to resolve the issue.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, the broadcaster’s London Correspondent Ari Shapiro declined to name the ministers, with hope that the meetings can be arranged later in the week.
As you can see – our elected representatives didn’t make such a good impression.
Also on the NPR’s trip to Ireland, Shapiro didn’t think his colleague was too taken by the country’s first impression.
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It seemed that our affection for fluid engagement times doesn’t travel well internationally. A good impression was not made.
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The government’s official news service, MerrionStreet.ie, tweeted Shapiro this morning asking that he contact them to resolve the issue:
A government source said that they were attempting to verify the two journalists’ claims before taking further action. But they indicated that it was unacceptable if three ministers cancelled scheduled interviews.
Resolution
Despite yesterday’s bad experience, Shapiro told TheJournal.ie this morning that the two journalists are off to Kerry today and will be doing a number of other stories around the country.
- additional reporting from Hugh O’Connell
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