Polaitíocht: Power on the Box

Episode 1

Episode #1.1

The opening episode examines the initial impact of the establishment of RTÉ on the Irish political landscape. President De Valera, the dominant figure and symbol of post-Independence Ireland, was the first to address the country on the opening night. His words were prescient: "Never before was there in the hands of men an instrument so powerful to influence the thoughts and actions of the multitude" Fast forward to 2016 and Harry McGee visits the Republican convention that anoints Donald Trump as the party's candidate. In Washington DC, Harry secures unprecedented access to the White House and talks with Obama's key advisor: Josh Earnest. Back in Ireland, the programme explores the early interactions between the state and RTÉ and track the controversies that arose between the two, ranging from the outbreak of the Troubles in Northern Ireland to the imposition of Section 31 on the medium of television. From De Valera's reservations to government impositions, episode one will show how television brought about a new interest in Irish politics; featuring newsworthy interviews with Gerry Adams, Pearse Doherty, Eoghan Harris and the current Press Ombudsman Peter Feeney.