Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I extend my sympathy to Hazel and members of Liam Lawlor's family. I knew Liam for many years, having served with him on the old Dublin County Council. What happened last Sunday was hurtful and it made me cry to think of the effect on his family. The media have reached an all-time low and have debased the profession of journalism. They have destroyed good people. In the past they have destroyed many politicians and people in high places. This time somebody in the media must be destroyed, in terms of accountability, for what they did last Sunday. Words do not mean anything in this case as the hurt is too deep. If the journalists' main objective was to sell papers they have cost their profession the respect of the whole nation.