I agree with Madangan and Lollix.
I'd also add that whether you think the paintings are tasteful is downright irrelevant - the political interference and attempts at censorship mean this is now about the much more profound issues of freedom of speech and freedom of political and artistic expression. It may have been inappropriate to hang the paintings in the galleries and I can see a reasonable argument that there may have been criminal damage. But if we start yelling "indecency" and "incitement to hatred" for the paintings, should we lock Martyn Turner up and throw away the key? Ban satire because it might offend?
The political reaction to the paintings and the reporting have imbued the whole affair with much greater significance than the original practical joke.
But Martyn Turner is a Cartoonist which is entertainment which people viewing his work have clear knowledge of, the RTE Evening News is not a satirical programme, its an important broadcast which the majority of people in this Country who view news programmes view. Badly painted 'portraits' illegally placed on the walls of Galleries which are supported by our taxes are news to a point but only to the point of "how did you allow this to happen, do you have proper security measures?" or maybe "if you have gained some without noticing, is it possible you have lost some too?" The report was unpleasant and gratuitious in its tone, presentation and content to both the viewer and the person they were attempting to ridicule in an underhand manner, and they did the usual post-colonial Irish thing in the middle of it, ask a German Tourist what his opinion on the matter was. If they have the required credentials as Journalists why don't they have Cowan or any other Senior Politician on and ask them the questions which need answers?