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Miriam O’Callaghan joined RTÉ’s roster of stars this morning to apologize on air after photos surfaced Friday from several of the company’s top broadcasters that failed to observe social distancing.
Rimetime host O’Callaghan was photographed with her arm around a retired colleague during what RTÉ called “an impromptu gathering” at her Montrose site earlier this month, in a saga that resulted in an investigation by the garda of the incident.
Speaking on her Sunday show with Miriam on RTÉ Radio One, Ms O’Callaghan said she was “deeply sorry.”
“I want to apologize once again for that photograph of mine without looking at the social distancing here at RTÉ last week. It was completely my fault, no one else’s, and I am deeply sorry.
“I am also very aware that, as someone in public view, it is very important to lead by example, and in posing the photograph the way I did, I was unable to do so. In that moment I know I disappointed everyone and for that I will regret it forever, ”said O’Callaghan.
Other high-profile RTÉ employees to issue public apologies on screen and on the airwaves include David McCullagh, Bryan Dobson and Eileen Dunne.
Six One News anchor David McCullagh apologized on Friday night’s news show.
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David McCullagh apologizes for the Six One news. Image by David Conachy. 2011/2020
“Unfortunately, I am one of the people who did not adequately observe social distancing here at RTÉ last week. It was an error in judgment that I deeply regret, for which I take full responsibility and for which I unreservedly apologize to you, our audience, ”he said.
“None of us can afford to lower our guard, not even for a moment, and I am very, very sorry that I did not do the right thing this time.”
Bryan Dobson was the first of the high-proliferation RTÉ stars on the air after the footage came out, and the announcer offered an unreserved apology for his participation in the event on his News at One radio show on Friday.
At the start of his News at One show, Dobson accepted responsibility for his actions and apologized to the nation.
“I am sorry for all those who have sacrificed so much in recent months and lost loved ones. For those who are living with the aftermath of the infection and for those who have lost their jobs, livelihoods or businesses, and for those who have isolated from family and friends.
“In this program we have vigorously debated the Covid-19 measures, but what is not discussed is that each of us should do everything possible to respect the current restrictions.
“I would be very concerned if any of my actions undermined that vital public health advice to save lives,” Dobson said.
Eileen Dunne also raised her hands on Friday night’s RTÉ News at Nine, with the stalwart issuing a full apology while on the air.
“Hands up, as you have seen, I too was photographed at Phil’s farewell and I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for my lack of judgment, particularly to the RTÉ colleagues who have worked so hard to keep this campus Covid” Free during the last eight months, “he said. “I have disappointed you all and I am sorry,” Ms. Dunne said.
Political correspondent Paul Cunningham was also photographed at the event and said: “Everyone must do everything possible to comply with the Covid-19 guidelines. I want to unreservedly apologize for not fully observing those measurements when posing for a photograph with a colleague. It shouldn’t have happened. “
RTÉ news chief Jon Williams apologized to his colleagues for the embarrassment caused by the photographs.
“It was only for a moment and it was done with the best of intentions, as were the actions of other colleagues. But it was wrong. And I’m very sorry, ”he wrote.
The internal mail, seen by Independent.ie, described the meeting as an “impromptu farewell for a colleague who was retiring after 40 years.”
“A small number of us who were working that day met to say goodbye. While general social distancing was observed and complied with RTÉ site protocols, some of us later posed briefly for a photo with our retiring colleague. “
Mr. Williams said he was “especially sorry that, after so many people have worked so hard on News and Current Affairs – and RTÉ – during the pandemic, we are delivering the news for the wrong reasons.”
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