The Five Demands

BBC admits ‘Sinn Féin/IRA’ blunder (UTV)

The BBC has admitted that a member of the technical staff on Question Time did label Education Minister John O’Dowd as a “Sinn Féin/IRA” representative.

In a statement to UTV, the broadcaster apologised for any offence after a picture of a floor plan taken by an audience member emerged on social media.

“The BBC is very sorry for any offence caused,” a spokesperson said.

“The note was written by one of the technical staff on the programme for his own use. It was not authorised or endorsed by anyone on Question Time.

“The person responsible has been left in no doubt that it was insensitive and extremely naïve.”

The spokesperson added: “We are sure viewers of last night’s programme will be clear that this note had absolutely no bearing on the content of the show.”

The apology comes after Sinn Féin lodged a formal complaint with the BBC in Belfast.

“Last night, I had agreed to take part in the Question Time program on the basis of respect and equality,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“After the program was finished, I was made aware of the floor plan pinned to a camera branding me a member of ‘SF/IRA!’. This was not on the floor plan previously shown to me before filming.”

The senior politician added that it was a serious issue.

“The ‘SF/IRA’ tag was one created at the height of the unionist murder campaign against my party colleagues in the late 1980s and early 1990s,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“It was an attempt to justify attacks on Sinn Féin members and our families. For the BBC to adopt the tag 20 years into a peace process is beyond belief.”

The party lodged a formal complaint with the BBC in Belfast on Thursday night, seeking an “immediate explanation for the sign and what action is to be taken against those behind it”.

Thursday night’s programme hosted by David Dimbleby was recorded in Belfast. Panelists included Mr O’Dowd, the DUP’s Ian Paisley Jr, NI Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, Labour’s Vernon Coaker, Peter Tatchell and Maajid Nawaz.

Related articles

• Sinn Fein challenge ‘SF/IRA’ label (bbc.co.uk)
• Sinn Féin minister complains to BBC over ‘SF/IRA’ label (irishtimes.com)
• Bbc in ‘Sf/ira’ Question Time Row (belfastdaily.co.uk)
• Complaint lodged after ‘SF/IRA’ reference on Question Time (newsletter.co.uk)
• According to Question Time, SF=IRA, DUP=Goodies (sluggerotoole.com)
• BBC apologises after Sinn Féin minister complains over ‘SF/IRA’ label (irishtimes.com)
• BBC sorry for Question Time gaffe (belfasttelegraph.co.uk)
• BBC debate show’s staff member ‘insensitive and naive’ to make SF/IRA reference (newsletter.co.uk)