Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I have summarised SenatorNorris's contribution.

Senator Ó Murchú called for the resignation of the editor of The Sunday Independent. Senator Henry, along with all Members, had concerns for the woman in question who was earning her living as a professional woman and rearing her family. She has been called names. While Members do not know this young Ukrainian woman, we know enough to be sure she was about her proper professional duties. She has not received any apologies, such as they are. Senator Mansergh noted that directors, boards of management and owners of newspapers have responsibilities, no matter how powerful they appear to be. He stated that they should be aware of how Members feel about these matters. I agree with him.

While Senator Maurice Hayes quite correctly declared his interest as a director of Independent Newspapers, he disassociated himself from what has happened and offered his sympathy to the Lawlor family. I agree with him. Senator Mansergh made the point that there should be no more appeasement of journalists and newspapers. He is correct. He noted that the profession of journalism had been debased and the respect of the nation lost.

Senator Glynn called what happened sewer journalism. He noted that a balancing article on councillors written by a journalist had been submitted but not printed. Senator Moylan spoke of his knowledge of and familiarity with the late Liam Lawlor on the hurling pitch. It was important that it was noted. Senator Ormonde expressed sympathy to the Lawlor family. She had served with Liam Lawlor as a member of the old Dublin County Council.

There will be time in a week or so to debate the tribunal and examine related matters but it is an affront to Liam Lawlor's widow and children to be faced by this reporting. His widow faces a long, hard, empty and arid road but to face it with those headlines constantly in her mind will be an abhorrence. I thank the Members of this House from all sides who spoke so feelingly and memorably on this issue and the Cathaoirleach for allowing such a debate.