Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Tá fáilte roimh an Aire. In the main politicians can take the blame for the excesses which have happened in the media. They have viewed the media as the conduit to electoral success and, therefore, have abdicated their responsibility when opportunities arose to stand up to what was happening in the media over the past 40 or 50 years. I recall on one occasion the late President Childers called for balance when reporting good and bad news. Needless to say, that was in the more innocent days. We are particularly fortunate that, in regard to the anti-social behaviour where the abuse of alcohol is concerned, particularly as we saw it portrayed on "Prime Time", the Minister was prepared to take a stand and do something radical because he knew it was for the general good. In this case he has facilitated the debate. However, I can pick up newspapers and find various columnists trying to demonise the Minister not because he will ban the media or confiscate their assets, but simply because he is facilitating a debate. A halo would be much more appropriate than a pair of horns in this case.