Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

At the end of the day we have to take a stand because it is for the good of the media. I listened to "Tonight with Vincent Browne" the other night. I give Vincent Browne full marks because he did an excellent job. Considering that he is an element of the media, he tackled those who endeavoured to maintain the status quo, go softly softly or in some way ensure confusion would ensue from the debate. He asked a media representative if it is right to run with a story for which there is no concrete evidence and there is a danger to the subject of the story. The representative replied that it is. Vincent Browne asked what the victim could do about it. He replied that he would have the usual redress. What is the usual redress, to go to the High Court with every possibility of being unable to pay the costs? That is not redress. That a media spokesman made such a statement shows how far down the ladder of priorities facts are for certain elements of the media.

I have often said that I have the height of admiration for the vast majority of journalists but Members know I have indicated cases I would not accept again and again. There was a terrible family tragedy in Kilkenny and before the funeral had taken place, the media were already discussing domestic squabbles within that family. Can anyone imagine how the bereaved must have felt when they should have been allowed to grieve? They had done no wrong to anyone else but these journalists felt that was acceptable.

A short time later the NUJ wrote to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to complain about me and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges circulated the letter to all Senators. The media are good at dealing it out but are no good at taking it when they are criticised but in this case they had picked the wrong target. When I checked the Official Report they had attributed remarks to me that were made by someone else. I received a grovelling apology, the secretary of the NUJ came in and said he was sorry. I accepted that in a gracious manner but I also asked why he was so paranoid that he would not let such a small point be debated.

The newspapers will not cover this debate, that is the power they have. If we were discussing excesses in political life, however, there would be many juicy headlines in the newspapers tomorrow. They have the power to destroy people's character and it is important that the NUJ takes a stand and endeavours to maintain the ethics of the profession. The media had the opportunity to be self regulating but never took it. As a result of the excessive competition in the media, particularly the tabloid influence we have imported and which has become the hallmark of some sections of the media, we need statutory regulation.