A top BMW dealership has apologised for “misleading” fans by saying Marty Morrissey was their brand ambassador.
Colm Quinn’s BMW posted a picture of the RTE star – who hit headlines after he revealed he had accepted a car from Renault but gave it back after five years - posing with owner Colm Quinn along with the caption: “Colm Quinn’s BMW brand ambassador – Marty Morrissey, says his new BMW packs a mighty punch as Colm Quinn hands over the keys to his new 161 5 Series BMW”.
The post was first shared on April 28, 2016, but appears to have been deleted in recent days. A spokesman for BMW has apologised for the misleading caption and confirmed Marty is a “paying customer” of BMW.
“Marty Morrissey has never represented Colm Quinn as a Brand Ambassador.
“We did use the term “Colm Quinn BMW Brand Ambassador” in relation to Marty Morrissey in a Facebook post from April 2016, the use of this term was misleading and incorrect and therefore that post has since been deleted.
“Marty Morrisey has been a paying customer of the Colm Quinn Group and is a long-time personal friend of Colm Quinn. Out of respect to all of our customers' privacy and in line with GDPR, we have no further comment to make on this matter.”
It comes in the wake of the GAA’s correspondent apologising for his “error of judgement” after he accepted a car from Renault five years ago. He also clarified that he has never received a car allowance from RTE.
Mr Morrissey said: "In 2017 I was asked to MC a series of functions in Renault garages across the country. This involved me interviewing several high-profile GAA personalities. As was required of me, I sought RTE permission at the time to do this. This permission was granted.
"I did not seek a fee for this engagement. I saw it as GAA-related, interacting with former players who I knew well. Many of the GAA-related engagements I do, I do at no cost. As I hadn't sought a fee, Renault offered me the use of a car. I accepted this offer. The situation carried over informally for a number of years. I ended up MC ing about 12 such events.
"Since the recent controversy within RTE arose, I reflected on this matter. I concluded that it had been an error of judgment on my part to accept the use of the car. I returned it voluntarily to Renault on Friday 23rd June.
"Like many RTE staff and contractors, I was this week asked to supply RTE with information about any commercial engagements, gifts and potential conflicts of interest. I did this and made full disclosure of this matter to RTE.
"I have never been appointed a brand ambassador for Renault. There was no expectation or requirement that I publicly endorse or promote Renault on air, on social media or otherwise while I had the use of a car. As far as I was concerned, my use of the car was always a very ad hoc arrangement which did not affect my work with RTE.
"I wish to be clear that I have never had a car allowance from RTE. I have apologised to RTE, my managers and colleagues for any embarrassment or difficulty I have caused them because of this matter. I also apologise to any of our viewers and listeners who may feel let down by my actions. It was never my intention to let anyone down, least of all myself.
"I have assured RTE that I remain ready to assist, and rectify, any issues which may arise from this matter."
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