Yesterday, Ger Brennan put his head above the parapet in a very public manner and came out in support of a 'no' vote in the upcoming marriage equality referendum. Given that he is one of the most high profile 'no' voters, the reaction to the Dublin footballer's stance has been understandable.
Many commended the quality of Brennan's writing in his original article, even if they did not agree with him. However, since then, Brennan's appearances on national radio have come in for quite a bit of criticism. That appears to have come to a head this morning when Brennan was interviewed on Morning Ireland.
At one point Brennan was asked how any child would suffer were same sex marriage to be introduced. This essentially formed the basis for Brennan's argument for voting no, however, after a lengthy pause, the All Ireland winner responded by saying he did not understand the question.
Eventually he returned to his argument that the marriage referendum would have an effect on surrogacy laws, but for many, Brennan's rationale left a lot to be desired.
Aside from the mere criticism of Brennan's views, which is to be expected given the divisive nature of the referendum, there has also been a large amount of criticism aimed at RTÉ for not challenging Brennan's views more than they had.
Next on @morningireland, we're going to watch some words fall out of a GAA player's mouth and land on the floor like rusty spanners.
— Doug (@Dougwhelan) May 14, 2015
@morningireland as a national broadcaster you have a responsibility to point out that the referendum commission has stated this is false
— Rachel Barry (@rachelbarry) May 14, 2015
I'm sure Ger is genuine but he's factually incorrect according to @RefCom_ie @morningireland public service duty to highlight that #marref
— Tiernan Brady (@Tiernanbrady) May 14, 2015
Ger Brennan just claimed on @morningireland a yes vote gives gay couple the right to surrogate child. Why was this not challenged? #marref
— Rebecca M (@Smurphette85) May 14, 2015
This unchallenged stuff on @morningireland will damage the lives of young and old. Mental health and suicide rate among LGBT higher as is
— Damïeñ Múlley 🏳️⚧️ (@damienmulley) May 14, 2015
I think it's only fair that @morningireland call out the number of LGBT Switchboard @LGBT_ie after that vile piece. Public remit remember?
— Damïeñ Múlley 🏳️⚧️ (@damienmulley) May 14, 2015
How dare Ger Brennan a @officialgaa speak for me as an #adopted person! STOP NOW! Adoption legislation will not be affected by #MarRef
— Edel Byrne (@edelbyrnerocks) May 14, 2015
@morningireland He thinks mothers and fathers are being outlawed. He's not the brightest bun in the box.
— Cahir O’Doherty (@randomirish) May 14, 2015
.incredibly weak interrogation of Ger Brennan on issues of same sex marriage on @morningireland. Why?
— Alan Breen (@alanbreen13) May 14, 2015
The nature of the Brennan performance during the interview has also come in for quite a bit of criticism.
serious car crash interview by Ger Brennan on @morningireland Clearly knows nothing about the legal issues involved-stick to the football !
— Declan Walsh (@deckie) May 14, 2015
Ger Brennan all confused & in knots on @RTERadio1 right now.
— Rob (@Ocean_handrail) May 14, 2015
That Ger Brennan interview on @morningireland #MarRef pic.twitter.com/77p4QATQqW
— Dermot Moriarty (@dermotmoriarty) May 14, 2015
