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Taoiseach Says Linking Yates 'Smear' Remark to Jim Gavin Training Is Wrong

Broadcast reviews and a podcast exit have intensified scrutiny of undisclosed campaign work by a prominent commentator.

Overview

  • Micheál Martin said Yates’ brief coaching for Jim Gavin should not be conflated with the later “smear” comment and urged reflection on conflict-of-interest disclosure.
  • Fianna Fáil said the paid training totaled about four hours between 23 and 29 September to prepare Gavin for two specific interviews.
  • Newstalk is reviewing Yates’ presenting during the presidential campaign after receiving no declaration of any conflict of interest.
  • The Path To Power podcast removed Yates as co-host, with Matt Cooper saying listeners should have been told about his paid role.
  • Yates declined to discuss the matter at a Dublin event, saying he would answer questions later, while Simon Harris pressed for greater media transparency and noted repeated queries to Heather Humphreys about alleged smears.