Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I have to agree with Senator Walsh. Not every newspaper person thinks it is a good thing that fact and opinion are mixed to the extent they are. I belong to the C.P. Scott school that facts are sacred but comment is free. It is important to ensure that comment remains free in this area. There have been slippages in journalistic standards, not only in Ireland, but generally and it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between facts enunciated and comments put or side notes. However, the section is adequate to allow the courts distinguish between these and, to borrow a phrase, teach people manners.