Cathal BarryAn independent TD has accused RTÉ of “watering down” its longstanding presentation of the Angelus.
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae criticised “any change in the way the Angelus is presented” following the broadcaster’s major revamp of the twice daily minute-long reflection.
Noting that the Angelus had been aired “for decades”, Mr Healy-Rae warned that “any watering down of it should not be allowed”.
He insisted that the Angelus was “a small bit of time out of people’s lives to reflect on things that are important and it should be retained on its present format”.
Rejecting Mr Healy-Rae’s claims, RTÉ head of religious programming Roger Childs told The Irish Catholic he suspected the Kerry TD had “got the wrong end of the stick”.
“We are not axing the Angelus, the chimes are still there. Is it watered down? No, there is nothing preventing you saying your Angelus, just as there was nothing to prevent you saying your Angelus before.
“However, we have made it more inclusive, more all-embracing and if we didn’t do that as a state broadcaster funded by people of all faith and none that would be irresponsible,” he said.