David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Since my experiences in the last presidential election, I could hardly be described as an admirer of the journalistic trade. However, I think that what has happened in Independent Newspapers is an utter and absolute disgrace. Yesterday, I attended a protest at the O'Callaghan Alexander Hotel. There are people who have spent decades in service of the Independent Newspaper and are within six months of receiving their pension but who have been cut off with virtually nothing. Their pensions have been absolutely savaged. I refer to a company that is in profit. We have seen the case of Clerys where there was absolutely disgraceful behaviour. Somebody had the cheek to erect a Happy Christmas sign in the window of Clerys and I felt like throwing a stone through it the other day.