RTÉ’s Louise caught in thorny squabble over free garden job
THE presenter-cuminfluencer issue has for a long time been a thorny issue for RTÉ as the broadcaster seeks to strike a balance between the need for impartiality and the lucrative sidelines of its on-air personalities.
And this week eyebrows were raised when 2fm presenter Louise McSharry proudly posted pictures and a glowing recommendation of her transformed garden that came in the form of a ‘favour’ from a gardener who had just appeared on her show as a contributor.
In an Instagram post earlier this week Ms McSharry said she was bemoaning the state of her own garden. Days later green-fingered Kevin arrived with four men and their Flymos and totally made over her overgrown front and back gardens.
A delighted Louise subsequently published ‘before and after’ photos and, near to tears, said: ‘I bemoaned the state of my garden on the show and Kevin… he did this as a favour so I can’t talk money… but I would have paid any money.’
However, kind-hearted Kevin refused her offer to pay.
The gratis garden caused a bit of a stir as people pondered the issue. An insider said: ‘It’s one thing getting a bottle of tan or case of wine, that’s expected as part of press drops, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But having work done on your house...
Then when she said she “would highly recommend him”... of course she would. Who wouldn’t recommend someone who did your garden, front and back, for free.’
Contacted about ‘Gardengate’ a RTÉ spokesperson said: ‘Louise McSharry made a private agreement with the professional gardener for a small amount of gardening. As Louise declared in her social media post, the gardener would not accept payment, at which point Louise brought the situation to the attention of head of RTÉ 2FM. Louise made a donation to a charity in lieu of the payment.’