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4 Episodes 2016 - 2016
Episode 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.
Episode 2
An ill-fated appearance on television has swung many an election and in the second episode of this landmark series, the focus turns to the successful presidential campaign of Mary Robinson, recalling and analysing the backfiring TV interventions of Pádraig Flynn and Brian Lenihan. Presenter Harry McGee spends a day with Michael Healy Rae in his native Kilgarvan in County Kerry. They discuss the role of television in shaping perceptions and in catapulting local politicians onto the national radar. Later, Harry is a fly-on-the-wall with Labour politican Aodhán O'Riordan as he travels to contribute to a live televised debate during the 2016 general election. It is over a quarter of a century since cameras first entered the Dáil and the impact of the cameras on parliamentary conduct is also put under the microsope. Prepare for some memorable soundbytes and colourful language from Paul Gogarty, Bertie Ahern, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and David Norris.
Episode 3
Featuring contributions about the art of interrogation from Claire Byrne and Miriam O'Callaghan, the programme immerses itself in the history of the ultimate political bloodsport - from the earliest head to heads between Haughey and FitzGerald in the eighties, to the more densely populated debates of Election 2016 . Harry also enjoys the experience of pressing the flesh at the Louth Agricultural Show in the company of TV-star-turned-politician Mairéad McGuinness.
Episode 4
Concludes the series by examining the water protests and the Marriage Equality