Taoiseach Brian Cowen finally takes a seat on 'The Late Late Show' after rigorous vetting of the show's intentions by his press staff

Ken Foxe

Public Affairs Correspondent

THE Late Late Show made a promise that Taoiseach Brian Cowen would not be subject to a "rigorous" or "stern" interview before the Fianna Fáil leader agreed to take part in the programme.

An exhaustive list of possible questions along with the other guests that would feature on the show was also sought by the taoiseach's advisers before the appearance two months ago.

Cowen was interviewed by host Pat Kenny in a special airing of the programme, broadcast live from the newly-opened Wexford Opera House on 5 September. A series of emails detailing negotiations on having the taoiseach appear on the Late Late have been released to the Sunday Tribune under the Freedom of Information Act.

They come at the end of a week in which Fianna Fáil backbencher Noel Treacy claimed that RTÉ?was a "left-wing organisation" which did not promote government policy.

James Macken, a re­search­er with The Late Late Show, said they did not want to conduct "rigorous" questioning as pressure mounted on Cowen over his handling of the crisis in the economy.

The email said: "It would be great to speak with An Taoiseach about Wexford, opening the Opera House and about his first three or four months in office.

"It is not our intention to conduct a rigorous political interview. In fact, we would seek to have a bit of fun. That said we will ask some questions that relate [to] certain events over the past few months; for example the current economic climate.

"The opening of the Opera House is a national event and it would be great to have the leader of the country speak about this occasion and his first few months in office. I hope this helps to clarify what we hope to achieve. I look forward to hearing from you soon."

In response, the taoi-seach's office said it would need even more detail on what questions would be asked and who else would appear on the programme on 5 September.

Government sources said Cowen had feared "an ambush" on The Late Late Show and an audience packed with political activists.

The original invitation to appear had been extended to the taoiseach on 1 July but it would be nearly two months before any final confirmation was made.

An email sent from Michael Moran, a government press officer, said: "I would need more details in terms of how long and what areas of questioning, who else on the programme etc please."

A response from the programme said: "The interview would be roughly 15 minutes long. We would be speaking to him in general terms about the opening of the Wexford Opera House; is he an opera fan and if not what does he like; what is his idea of an ideal evening off; as an Offaly man, what has he got to say about Wexford in general (might reach All Ireland final etc); how he has found his first few months in office compared to being a minister; the main differences and extra security etc; how his family are adjusting; does he get back to Offaly as much as he'd like.

"We would also ask him some questions about the current economic climate; did he foresee the current situation; how he is facing very different circumstances compared to his predecessor. But I stress – it is not our intention to conduct a stern political interview.

"It is hard to be specific about questions at this stage as something might happen between now and September, which might be good to talk about.

"Also – it is hard to be specific about guests as we are still confirming all our interviews. If I can be any more help, please let me know."

The taoiseach's office still had major concerns about what other guests would appear and another email was sent on 18 August by Michael Moran. It read: "Any word on other guests yet?"

A response from The Late Late Show said: "So far we have confirmed Colm Tóibín, Riverdance, Sharon Shannon and Mundy, Katherine Jenkins, RTé concert orchestra, Magic Macabre, Wexford choirs with Michael Landra, the Three Waiters (operatic comedy act) and will be speaking to special Wexford guests in the audience such as Gordon D'Arcy, the football and hurling teams as well as other well-known figures from Wexford. I hope this helps."

No further correspondence was released and the final confirmation of Cowen's eventual appearance on the programme was made by telephone.

One other email was released as part of the FOI request, a letter of thanks from The Late Late Show's researcher Macken to Moran and government press secretary Eoghan Ó Neachtáin.

It reads: "Just a quick note to say thanks again for Friday night. It worked out great for us and I hope 'The Boss' was happy." A request for further documents from RTÉ relating to Cowen's appearance was declined.

It said: "Mr Cowen was not paid any fee for appearing on the programme. Neither did he claim any expenses. In regard to the remainder of your query, the records you have requested are exempt from access under Freedom of Information."