Micheál Martin ‘disappointed’ by images from RTÉ’s retirement party

The Taoiseach says the images of RTÉ stars at a retirement party without masks or social distancing are “disappointing.”

RTÉ staff were seen posing for photos and standing side by side without masks or covers at a colleague’s retirement party on November 15.

Stars like Miriam O’Callaghan, David McCullagh, and Bryan Dobson, as well as RTÉ News CEO Jon Williams, have apologized for their part.

RTÉ said the “impromptu meeting” should not have happened and has reminded staff of their obligation to follow public health advice.

The Taoiseach said that it could not be given the impression that people working for RTÉ could disobey the regulations.

“Those in public life must lead by example,” Martin told Virgin Media News.

Mr. Martin said that he could not speculate what would happen if the situation was not what NPHET expected at the end of next week, but said the goal was to leave Level 5.

“We want to get out of Level 5 on December 1, and much of the work we’ve done will inform that strategy.”

The Taoiseach said that people needed a “safe and meaningful Christmas.”

“Christmas is a time for families, for friends, it is a spiritual time. It is a family time, fundamentally and that poses challenges. But it will not be a normal Christmas. We can have a good Christmas if we care about ourselves and take care of ourselves. each other.

The virus loves crowds. I can’t see us all packed into the pub like we would have been in years past. We really have to take care of each other. “

The Taoiseach said he would “like” to see a relaxation of the meeting and travel rules to allow people to have a Christmas gathering.

Martin said the nation was “doing very well” overall in the fight against the virus, but that there had been “some fatigue,” a phenomenon that he said affected the whole of Europe.

“People need to know that their sacrifices have worked.

“I think when people heard about vaccines and the downward trajectory, people felt like we were out of the gap here, so to speak.

“I hope that between now and December 1, we can double our bet.”

Martin said people needed to “make decisions” about whether traveling home for Christmas was essential. He said the full orientation would be done at the end of the month.