Senator Michael McDowell – Ireland’s former Attorney General – has accused the government of “propagating lies” on the upcoming referendum, saying that it’s “about time” that the “disinformation campaign” stops. Watch the full interview with Ben Scallan now:
Numerous Irish Ministers have suggested that the Irish Constitution says a “woman’s place is in the home” ahead of the referendum – a claim which the Electoral Commission has confirmed is false. Ben Scallan presses Minister Norma Foley about this “constant” misinformation:
Arguments about misinformation cannot be sustained when the Government itself is openly misinforming voters about the consequences of what they are asking the public to vote on.
“It applies to all online information”: Ireland’s Electoral Commission, which has the power to shut down alleged “misinformation” online, clarifies that its powers even extend to mainstream media publications and broadcasters like RTÉ.
Supreme Court Judge and Chair of the Electoral Commission, Marie Baker, clarifies the Constitution does not say “a woman’s place is in the home,” but merely that mothers provide an “important support” to society and shouldn’t “have to go out to work” due to “economic necessity.”
Pay very close attention to what is said here, and what is not said:
“There was some confusion…if you’re in any doubt, contact your local authority”: Ireland’s Electoral Commission clarifies why some lifelong voters are claiming their name is not on the electoral register for the upcoming referendums. Question by Ben Scallan.
BEN SCALLAN: “Disinformation” is just a long-winded way of saying “lies.” When governments say they want to “regulate disinformation,” they’re literally talking about letting politicians regulate lying: #gript
In a nutshell.
“Our response…will define this nation.”
Everything about the electoral commission’s new mandate – which it is already enhancing by itself – speaks to a body that is designed to funnel voters towards particular decisions and away from other decisions.
The Irish government’s new anti-misinformation force, the Electoral Commission, says it has “very extensive powers” to “require the correction or removal of information we believe to be incorrect” – all in an effort to “enhance democracy.” Question by Ben Scallan. #gript