Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, is a master manipulator of the media. It is well and good if he can get away it. However, he should know that in a democratic society a line exists between manipulation and control. He has attempted to cross this line. The "Prime Time" programme has already given him his answers. It is now clear that the Minister refused to appear on RTE. He has been given the opportunity and he still has the opportunity. Incidentally he also refused to appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights to answer questions on the matter. On the other hand he had no problem appearing in the House and giving his speech last night.

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