The Broadcasting Complaints Commission has upheld an objection to an interview with Dana (Rosemary Scallon), carried out by Vincent Browne on RTE Radio 1 in October 1997.
The complaint, taken by a Mr O'Driscoll, was made against three RTE programmes and their questioning of the then presidential candidate.
Tonight With Vincent Browne, The Late Late Show and Questions and Answers, Mr O'Driscoll claimed, "created a negative impression of Dana's candidacy".
Mr O'Driscoll also said the public was entitled to know the personal views of a public service broadcaster. RTE strongly rejected Mr O'Driscoll's assertions and said the programmes must be viewed "in the context of live interviews and discussions . . . along with the fact that Dana was perceived as having strong Christian values and opposed to abortion."
The BCC was of the view that any person who runs for public office may be subject to robust questioning. However, referring to the complaint made about Mr Browne's interview of October 9th, 1997, the BCC found it "was not presented objectively and impartially". RTE, however, is not required to inform the public of the personal views of its broadcasters, continued the BCC. It is required to ensure its broadcasters perform their duties in an objective and impartial way.
A complaint against the Chris Barry Show on the Dublin radio station FM 104 was also upheld.
Mr Fox, of the Point Theatre, complained that Mr Barry prompted callers to make statements, which were broadcast, that defamed the proprietors, manager and security firm of the theatre.
The BCC found that the Point should have been notified about the discussion, should have been given a chance to respond and that the broadcast was not presented objectively.
A complaint against RTE's reporting of the drugs problem in Bray was not upheld. Bray Urban District Council, the Eastern Health Board, Bray and District Chamber of Commerce and the Garda Liaison Committee said the reporting by RTE's crime correspondent, Paul Reynolds, was inaccurate. The BCC said the report was impartial.