Why the arts minister’s obsession with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is missing the point

When it comes to the political pecking order, Minister for Arts is way down the list. It’s been called the last seat on the bus.

The newly-appointed arts minister is Patrick O’Donovan and quite how much interest or experience the Fine Gael TD has in the arts – or culture, also part of the job- is not clear.

And his portfolio is massive – it includes communications, media and sport.

Two tricky and pressing issues for O’Donovan are RTE’s ongoing funding problems and the soon-to-end basic income for artists programme. And there’s so much more.

Hugh Linehan, who wrote a no-holds-barred column questioning O’Donovan’s suitability for the job, explains why in a country that prides itself on its arts and culture, the arts ministry is, in political terms, a low prestige role.

And following the new Minister’s visit to Montrose to talk to RTE chief Kevin Bakhurst, Laura Slattery explores his peculiar obsession with the station’s programming - and why he’s got it wrong.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.