 The time was a controversial one with attempts at interference from Archbishop John Charles McQuaid and the views of Lemass, who believed it should be ""an instrument of public policy"", he insisted that RTÉ remain independent of both church and state.Shows such as "The Late Late Show" prospered during this time and had a profound influence on Irish life.Under McCourt the organization developed and covered several notable events in Ireland including John F. Kennedy's visit to Ireland in 1963, Roger Casement's funeral in 1965 and the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 1966.