Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Bryan Dobson with economist Ronan Lyons on the Six One News last night Screengrab via YouTube/RTÉ
No offence

Bryan Dobson ‘never meant to cause offence’ when he called protestors ‘idiots’

The RTÉ presenter has issued a statement following criticism of remarks he made on-air last night.

Updated 23.08pm

RTÉ’S SIX ONE News presenter Bryan Dobson has said that he “never meant to cause offence” when he referred to to protestors as “idiots” during a live interview last night.

Dobson was interviewing economist Ronan Lyons about property prices but cut him short as he was answering a question as protestors against bondholder payments came into view behind him.

“We’ll I’ll tell you what Ronan, I am going to stop that there because the idiots behind you are a bit of distraction so we’ll try and get rid of those and come back to you,” Dobson said.

YouTube: exteriority

His comments sparked considerable controversy on Twitter today with calls for him to apologise for the remarks.

In a statement issued through RTÉ this evening, Dobson said: “I never meant to cause offence with my remarks last night which were in reference to the interruption of an interview during a live broadcast rather than the topic of any protest.”

MORE: Here’s what Ronan Lyons really thought of protesters on the Six One

Previously: Did you see Dobbo calling protesters “idiots” on the news last night?

Your Voice
Readers Comments
298
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.