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RTÉ

Viewers lodge complaints over Ray D'Arcy's 'sexist' interview with Pamela Anderson

Nine formal complaints were lodged and a further seven calls and emails were received by the broadcaster.

RTÉ HAS CONFIRMED it received a number of complaints about an interview Ray D’Arcy did with Pamela Anderson on Saturday night.

After the interview, in which D’Arcy made jokes about the size of Anderson’s breasts and a photo of her “on your knees in front of the Prince of Montenegro”, there was a massive backlash online.

Some users said the interview was “sexist” while others branded it “disrespectful”. The national broadcaster confirmed today that nine formal complaints were lodged and it received a further seven calls and emails “offering negative feedback on the segment”.

RTÉ has declined to make any further comment on the interview.

A spokesperson for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland told TheJournal.ie it received one query in relation to this segment of the Ray D’Arcy Show and the woman was referred to RTÉ. The BAI complaints process requires complainants first get in touch with the broadcaster.

“In the event that the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their interaction with the broadcaster, they may lodge a complaint with the BAI,” they said.

Read: Ray D’Arcy is under fire for his ‘sexist’ interview with Pamela Anderson>

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93 Comments
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    Mute Supernova
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:54 PM

    Just watched the repeat of it the other night.. Jaysus it’s embarrassing he’s like an immature teenager who laughs when someone says sex or fart.. As father jack would say “how did that gob$hite get on telly”!!

    542
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    Mute Periguin
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:54 PM

    “and in the D’arcy household, todaaaye”……

    80
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    Mute Karol Doran
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:40 PM

    Shit presenter, shit guests, shit show, shit station.

    476
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    Mute Johnny
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:43 PM

    Darcys problem is very real and very evident.

    Hi is riddled with parochialism (an affliction that RTE is riddled with)which means in his world he is the big star.

    Anderson has been interviewed 1,000s of times to presenters with audience sizes of all sizes, she is used to numerous different styles….I doubt she ever faced anything as amateur as what we saw on Saturday night.

    This station is in the last few years of it’s existence…the cracks are appearing all over the place!!

    349
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    Mute Alesis
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:02 PM

    He’s a kids show presenter. That’s all. Tubridy is marginally better. He’d suit 15-18 age group. No adult presenters capable of adult interviews for an adult modern Irish audience.

    194
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    Mute Le Lapin Noir
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:11 PM

    it’s hardly worth having top presenters if your guests usually consist of Twink or some codger off Fair City.

    170
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    Mute john
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:26 PM

    Have you evidence of these “cracks”

    13
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    Mute Le Lapin Noir
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:37 PM

    Maybe non stop interviews with other chat show hosts, Twink and current and former soap opera “stars” are what the people want? That and celebrity talent shows. Got to love those. Maybe they should have one with Twink in it.

    45
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    Mute Rochelle
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:37 PM

    Why would RTE fold when it has unconditional funding from the taxpayer?

    89
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    Mute Johnny
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:55 PM

    RTE employ over 2,000 people in Montrose, one of the most expensive parts of this country….which means the wages they pay are at a premium because of this…

    RTE is riddled with nepotism, a notorious closed shop, how else does someone as talentless as Tubridy get where he is?

    Overpaid and riddled with nepotism can only go on for so long…

    RTE have lost out on 6 Nations Rugby, because they are outbid by TV3? What happens if / when RTE seek a licence fee increase….how long more will Irish people fund this South Dublin extravagance which is Culturally removed form most of Ireland…

    On a Bank Holiday recently they replayed the Friday night show again on the Sunday night, a major mistake for any network to make.

    It’s Documentary department has recently been shamed. – Prime Time Investigates has been canned in disgrace
    It has destroyed its reputation in Limerick City, the states 3rd largest city
    It does not have any credibility amongst Political Observers – Remember the twitter incident during the Presidential Election. TV3 thru Vincent Brown have a better track record in holding the Political Establishment to account…
    It has treated varying different Government protests with contempt, including the Water Protesters.
    It has one rule for Sinn Fein and a completely separate rule for Fianna Fail, despite the corruption FF have consistently engaged in.

    All major controversies in this state have been exposed by the BBC/ITV over the last number of decades….

    There are plenty of cracks…

    199
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    Mute eileen boles
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    Nov 17th 2015, 6:50 PM

    They have buckets everywhere to contain the leaks in the roof haven’t U heard?

    17
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    Mute eileen boles
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:03 PM

    It doesn’t delve too much in to SF s shortcomings as U say it was the BBC that did that.

    15
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    Mute Sean Carmody
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:33 PM

    A few mousetraps too, I hear. It’s incredible the state that it is in-and where the money goes.

    14
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    Mute Andrew Christian Troy
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:55 PM

    Don’t forget Brendan Grace

    9
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    Mute Jo Mullins
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:32 AM

    once Curran gone hope to see an improvement

    1
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    Mute Michael cunnane
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:36 PM

    The size of Ray you swear he’s always on his knees

    349
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    Mute David
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:37 PM

    He’s standing behind that desk

    270
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    Mute China Photo Daily
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:37 PM

    That’s what €500,000 a year buys you.

    345
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    Mute Type17
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    Nov 17th 2015, 6:11 PM

    Actually, that’s what €500,000 buys RTE – other broadcasters would be more discerning…

    115
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 8:24 PM

    And no six nations.

    69
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    Mute Fergus Sheahan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:27 PM

    Thanks Ray I hadn’t seen 3 massive t*ts on my television screen since Total Recal

    335
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    Mute Gwantafuppoutathat
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    Nov 17th 2015, 6:23 PM

    Bah hahahah

    49
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    Mute Rochelle
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:23 PM

    And to think they lost the Six Nations rights while giving D’arcy half a million annually.

    302
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    Mute Thomas Gold
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    Nov 17th 2015, 10:26 PM

    BABY ANON HUNGY

    BABY ANON WANT MILKY

    12
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    Mute Micheal Brunswick
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    Nov 17th 2015, 10:39 PM

    Calm down Mr Gold. You will get your milk.

    4
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    Mute Brendan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:14 PM

    Ray is so up his own arse now he’s unbearable, time for him to move along and give someone else a chance

    167
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    Mute John Campbell
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:17 PM

    Just shows how out of touch D’Arcy is with this sort of interview. He’ll do anything to try and convince himself that he is at the top of his ‘profession’. Pathetic creature.

    155
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    Mute John Sheahan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:46 PM

    I just love reading the comments on Ray ‘The Arsey’ articles. Pure entertainment. Unlike his shows.

    153
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    Mute Dave Meagher
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:19 PM

    The 3 tits on TV comment still has me in pain..

    25
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    Mute Paddy Kavanagh
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:04 PM

    your tv licence is paying for this!

    116
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    Mute Frank Dowling
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:58 PM

    Darcys a Dork.. he is only fit for interviewing the tellytubbies.. pathetic little man.

    93
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    Mute John Johnson (KCCO)
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:36 PM

    7 people that have nothing better to do with themselves.

    If you see something on tv you don’t like, just change the channel or switch it off.

    68
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    Mute Joe Phillips
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:45 PM

    Nothing wrong with expecting something in return for your TV License fee. We all own that channel. Why should they be free to just throw any old crap on it?

    189
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    Mute John Johnson (KCCO)
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:50 PM

    True Joe, but my point is some people seem to be only happy when they’ve something to complain about.

    You’re point about getting value for the tv tax is very fair and is the main reason I’ve not paid it for years.

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    Mute Joe Phillips
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:04 PM

    Ok but MY point is they extort money off us (literally… by threat of prison for non-payers!… that’s the risk you’re running) AND still have ad breaks AND still have the same crap “talent” doing the rounds for years.
    The only good things left about RTE are Johnny Giles and Eamonn Dunphy

    87
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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:13 PM

    John, you’re complaining right now.

    38
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    Mute Missyb211
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    Nov 17th 2015, 6:43 PM

    The same could be said to you John , nothing better to do with yourself. Instead of reading and voicing your complaint, just like they did, you could have just switched over the comment section.

    17
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    Mute eileen boles
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:15 PM

    Exactly we don’t complain enough about low standards in general.

    16
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    Mute SHANKSGHOST
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    Nov 17th 2015, 9:15 PM

    Right on ! Anyway he only said what everybody was thinking !!

    1
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    Mute ian110664
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    Nov 17th 2015, 5:05 PM

    RTE had better programmes when they went on strike

    60
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    Mute eileen boles
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:04 PM

    The programmes weren’t as mind numbing

    16
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    Mute Joseph Dempsey
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    Nov 17th 2015, 6:07 PM

    Ray really needs to stop this train wreck of a show, he’s even getting as tetchy as moooooney on the afternoon show, he was a little put out when introduced as Derek after the liveline show earlier “Ray here Philip”, Oliver callans impersonation of poor Ray is perfect!

    55
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    Mute jack frost
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:04 PM

    He is rubbish. Really bad interviewer on radio and TV. A right d..k head.

    50
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    Mute Walt Kowalski
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    Nov 17th 2015, 10:28 PM

    Hes a cringe-fest D’arcy. He came off like some small minded, potato eating, kildare bar-fly from 1972 during that interview. Pamela was the only professional there.
    I wouldnt be surprised if she tells an entertaining story next time shes on a U.S talk show about the sexist little bald irish man who interviewed here!

    47
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    Mute Le Lapin Noir
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:40 PM

    Wow, nine complaints? The switchboards are lighting up! I hope no one tells any of these people about the internet in case they spontaneously combust with outrage. Now let’s all agree to put the trauma behind us and move on with our lives.

    47
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    Mute Dave Thomas
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:38 PM

    Monetnegro? Or did you mean MONTENEGRO?

    41
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    Mute Diarmuid Doran
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:41 PM

    Terrible presenter/interviewer.He should have stuck to interacting with children’s puppets.

    40
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    Mute Gerard Smyth
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:51 PM

    Ahh ..and I was only looking at pamela for her intelligence?.This was a sexist interview..Hmmm I wonder what ms Anderson has spent her whole life selling ?? Ahh it was her degree in quantom mechanics

    31
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    Mute Johnny Downes
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:06 PM

    Is that the same as quantum mechanics?

    87
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    Mute Rochelle
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:28 PM

    It might shock you to learn that being a topless model does not entitle others to abuse you.

    104
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    Mute Frank's Cat
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:57 PM

    Yes, Johnny. You are both wrong and right at the same time.

    15
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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
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    Nov 17th 2015, 5:00 PM

    Being a topless model is illegal.

    1
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    Mute Del Haven
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    Nov 17th 2015, 5:12 PM

    Nope

    14
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    Mute Mark Ryan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 5:14 PM

    Don’t watch any American interviews rochelle they go very deep into her career.. This woman made w career from her looks and body she also has a sense of humour about it all and understood how she built her reputation.. I find it funny how others get annoyed on her behalf though…. Should that not be her decision?

    19
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    Mute Rosa Parks
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:40 PM

    Just 9? Clearly a storm in a teacup.

    28
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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:49 PM

    Or double DD cup?….I’ll get my coat.

    83
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    Mute Alan Scott
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:20 PM

    9 who have nothing else to occupy their little minds . I am waiting to see another flow of red thumbs Journal has been taken over by a very conservative bunch

    17
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    Mute eileen boles
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:10 PM

    U mean the opposite confused at all?

    3
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 8:31 PM

    There were much more on social media and a lot who won’t tune in again. RTE will pay attention to this as will advertisers. They won’t be associated with the idea of sexism.

    18
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    Mute Seán Domhnall O'Sullivan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 5:52 PM

    John the fact is theres a rang of excellent ent shows running the whole time to cater different tastes In the U.S everything from their late late to Jimmy Kimmel to saturday night live ,th irish are poisoned with tacky interviews and biased politics. That should be th real source of outrage for our compulsion to pay th licence for it but we all know what happens if you dont. Rte is anyway in dire need of new talent.

    25
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    Mute dell lyons
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:00 PM

    I’m morto for nine people who had that much time on their hands!

    21
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    Mute Ían
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:12 PM

    Took about as long as it took for you to writeyour comment I imagine

    61
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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:15 PM

    Don’t be. Having time on your hands is often a sign of being a successful adult who no longer needs to work every waking hour.

    45
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    Mute Keith Rogers
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:13 PM

    He’s a total weirdo anyway, spends too much time talking about his “Mother”

    19
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    Mute Tony Kennedy
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    Nov 17th 2015, 6:39 PM

    He came across like a bit of a jackass but complaints? Seriously? Some people have made very good careers out of the “offended industry”

    18
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    Mute Paul Harte
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:31 PM

    9 complaints. That has to be some kind of record.

    17
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    Mute Walt Kowalski
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    Nov 17th 2015, 10:34 PM

    I doubt any of the complainants were genuinely offended by the sexism etc.. More likely it was offence that their licence fee is going towards the outrageous wages of the obviously incompetent presenter

    15
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    Mute Alan Scott
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:43 PM

    People who made complaints to People should cop themselves on with what happened on Friday night it’s a long way down the scale COP ON PEOPLE

    14
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    Mute Alan Scott
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:45 PM

    RTE. My text should read . Apologies

    7
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    Mute Fran Heavey
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    Nov 17th 2015, 3:46 PM

    Is that a complaint you’re making Alan?

    41
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 8:34 PM

    And defending RTE?

    7
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    Mute Maggie
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    Nov 17th 2015, 4:43 PM

    Oh well her melons are the only reason she became famous!

    10
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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Nov 17th 2015, 5:20 PM

    Jaysuz, have people nothing else to do these days!?

    8
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    Mute Podge Cannon
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    Nov 18th 2015, 3:14 AM

    That was painful to watch, veered in creepy old man territory

    5
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    Mute Aaron
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    Nov 18th 2015, 3:47 PM

    Haha, politically correct Ray getting complaints for sexism. He’l be crying himself to sleep.

    3
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    Mute bacoxy
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    Nov 17th 2015, 7:34 PM

    Change the channel… Simple

    3
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 8:34 PM

    We’re still paying for that channel!!!

    15
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    Mute Liam Owens
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    Nov 17th 2015, 6:07 PM

    Ray. Ignore them The show was grand.

    1
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