Barrie Cassidy unloads on ABC election coverage in Twitter rant

A former ABC darling has unloaded on the national broadcaster’s election coverage, labelling it “bizarre” and “nauseating” in a late-night rant on Twitter.

Former Insiders host Barrie Cassidy has unloaded on the ABC over its election night coverage in an epic late-night Twitter meltdown.

The 72-year old veteran journalist embarked on a freewheeling rant on Saturday night as the ALP stormed to victory.

A former press secretary to Bob Hawke, Mr Cassidy was a major part of the ABC’s election night coverage until he retired from Insiders two years ago.

But he was outraged on election night that the national broadcaster kept talking about the Liberal Party instead of the new Prime Minister.

Barrie Cassidy was a former ABC darling, but spent election night slamming the national broadcaster. Stuart McEvoy/The Australian.

The discussions around how the liberals will cope is nauseating. Guys. We have a new government. Discuss.

— Barrie Cassidy (@barriecassidy) May 21, 2022

This ABC coverage is really quite bizarre. There’s barely any mention that we have a new government.

— Barrie Cassidy (@barriecassidy) May 21, 2022

“The discussions around how the liberals will cope is nauseating,’’ Cassidy wrote on Twitter.

”Guys. We have a new government. Discuss.”

Earlier, lashed out at the coverage including the contributions of ABC political editor Andrew Probyn.

”This ABC coverage is really quite bizarre. There’s barely any mention that we have a new government,’’ he said.

The veteran journalist then attacked the Prime Minister for not outlining why he lost.

”Don’t concession speeches usually concede something,’’ he complained.

Don’t concession speeches usually concede something?

— Barrie Cassidy (@barriecassidy) May 21, 2022

Barrie Cassidy labelled the ABC’s coverage “nauseating” and “bizarre”. Photo Contributed

He then returned to his complaints that the ABC was spending too much time talking about the Liberals.

“The ABC is still talking about a minority labour government doing deals with the teals to form government. What? Have they not seen the results in WA?,’’ he said.

“The ABC is still talking about the liberal party. We have a new government. Raises a few issues; a few talking points. Doesn’t happen very often. Good topic I reckon.

“Disappointed the ABC could not even congratulate Tanya Plibersek for Labor’s win but instead they should be embarrassed about the greens winning a couple of seats. Reset guys. You don’t have to be cowed anymore.”