JUST four Westminster MPs have signed an Early Day Motion calling for Channel 4 to “reconsider” its decision to commission a comedy series set during Ireland’s Great Famine.
Proposed by Liberal Democrat MP John Leech, who is concerned that Hungry - which is currently in development - is likely to “poke fun” at the nineteenth century Irish tragedy, the EDM states: “this House notes that the Great Irish Famine resulted in the deaths of one million people and the emigration of up to two million more, reducing Ireland's population by a quarter.”
It adds: “[This House] further notes that Channel 4 is planning to create a comedy series called Hungry, about the Great Irish Famine; further notes with concern that the intended tone of this sitcom is to be similar to the Shameless comedy series, set in Ireland during the famine; believes that a tragedy of this magnitude represents inappropriate subject matter for such a sitcom; and calls on Channel 4 to reconsider its decision to produce this insensitive and potentially highly offensive comedy programme.”
The EDM was tabled by the Manchester Withington MP on January 22. When The Irish Post made enquiries today just three additional signatories had supported it: Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP for Islington North, independent MP Mike Hancock and Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd.
