Sinn Féin's proposal for an independent review of RTÉ’s coverage of international conflicts has been branded as “dangerous” and “inappropriate”.

The party said the measure - which is included in its election manifesto - is necessary to help rebuild trust and confidence in the national broadcaster.

The party also rejected claims from the Taoiseach that it is trying to intimidate journalists.

Simon Harris is among those who have hit out at the move - describing it as "a dog whistle to conspiracists".

"The fact that we engage with the press on a daily basis and on a on a weekly basis, I don't think there's any credibility to what Mr Harris is saying," Sinn Féin’s Louise O’Reilly said.

"I'm sure he was saying that so that he didn't have to talk about some of the issues, which we know he doesn't want to be speaking about."

Press freedoms

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) reacted to Sinn Féin's proposal, warning of a potential chilling effect on press freedoms.

Deputy O'Reilly said the NUJ's fears are not the intention of this proposal.

"What we want is to ensure that RTÉ upholds the very, very highest standards," she said.

An independent, and I want to stress independent, peer review is part of normal journalistic practices elsewhere, and we don't see any reason that it shouldn't be a positive move."

RTÉ logos at the station's headquarters in Donnybrook, Dublin, 26-6-23. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie