RTE seeks bids for exit-poll contract

AS Boris Johnson seeks a general election in the UK, RTE is preparing for an Irish election by nailing down a research company to carry out exit polls after votes are cast.

It comes just months after RTE was involved in a row with Fianna Fail about how the party was perceived in the aftermath of local elections.

The broadcaster is seeking expressions of interest from specialist firms “as part of its remit to engage with the public” so it can be prepared when the Taoiseach calls the next election.

Documents show RTE is seeking the services of a company to carry out exit polls and similar services.

These include any general elections or referendums and should help the broadcaster “enable national participation in major events”.

It may be extended to include presidential, local and European elections if called.

RTE was criticised after this year’s local and European elections over an exit poll on The Late Late Show shortly after voting ended on May 24.

The poll for RTE and TG4, carried out by Red C, led to the “Green wave” being overstated and Fianna Fail support being understated.

The poll showed Fianna Fail and Fine Gael both had 23pc of the vote.

The final result showed Fianna Fail had actually secured almost 27pc, outside the 3pc margin of error. Fine Gael finished with 25pc.

This led to showdown talks between senior RTE staff and Fianna Fail officials.

Researchers blamed shy Fianna Fail supporters for the inaccurate predictions but Fianna Fail had previously raised concerns about RTE exit polls underestimating support for the party.

Before this year’s local and European elections, Red C also carried out an exit poll at the end of the 2018 presidential race. It was selected for these elections from a panel of suppliers shortlisted by RTE during an earlier tendering process.

“Mini-tenders” were subsequently run among these suppliers before each election. A tender for new polling services ahead of upcoming elections was issued by RTE earlier this month.

A source said the broadcaster was looking to tie down a supplier to a “longer-term” agreement so it could be ready if a snap election was called.

Interested parties have until Tuesday to make an expression of interest and contracts are expected to be signed before Christmas.

RTE said it was “very satisfied” with the polling done by Red C to date.

In 2017, it signed a threeyear agreement with Red C to research the public’s attitude to many of the broadcaster’s services.

RTE said these services were separate to any of the exit polls Red C had been responsible for. “This is a routine tender specifically for exit poll services,” a spokesman said.