THE Minister for Agriculture, Mr Ivan Yates, has accused RTE of putting out "video promotional material" about Fianna Fail leader Mr Bertie Ahern in its coverage of his election campaign.
Speaking on Questions and Answers last night, Mr Yates said RTE's chief reporter Charlie Bird had asked the Fianna Fail "not a single hard question" and his interviews with him were like "a fireside chat."
Progressive Democrats' leader Ms Mary Harney, who was also on the programme, praised Mr Bird and said Mr Yates would have to withdraw his comments.