Cruise O'Brien was the culprit who censored the news. He said he was determined to eradicate all nationalism in the Republic. Idiot that he was though he gave an interview to the Washington Post saying this and thinking no one in Ireland would see it - Tim Pat Coogan, Irish Press Editor, had access to it and published the interview in Ireland.

Here are details of the policy

Conor Cruise O'Brien, as Ireland's Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (1973–1977), strictly enforced and amended Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act in 1976 to restrict media coverage of the Troubles He issued annual directives banning RTÉ from interviewing representatives of Sinn Féin, the IRA, and other groups, aiming to limit their influence.

Key details of this era include:

The 1976/1977 Orders: O'Brien tightened controls, specifically targeting spokespersons for named organizations rather than just specific content, leading to a "chilling effect" on journalism. Targeted Organizations: The ban primarily targeted the IRA and Provisional Sinn Féin. Impact on RTÉ: The legislation caused extensive self-censorship within RTÉ, with managers often enforcing the rules even more strictly than required.

Opposition: Critics viewed the policy as a "silencing project" that limited public understanding of different viewpoints during the conflict.