Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I refer to the matter raised by Senator Ryan in which, as a director of Independent Newspapers, I declare an interest. I have not seen the edition about which he complained and will not comment further until I do. However, I would deeply regret any offence given or pain caused to the Taoiseach or any other person mentioned in the item. The private lives of public people are entitled to protection and should not be intruded into, except to the extent that the performance of their public duties is involved, which does not appear to be the case in this context. The better news from Independent Newspapers, for Senator Brian Hayes, is that we covered the protest in Sligo.