The coroner presiding over the inquest into the death of Mr John Carthy, who was shot dead by two members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) in April, said yesterday he would like an explanation as to why the media had not abided by his request not to publish the names of members of the ERU.
Dr Gerry McDonagh said he had asked the press on two occasions when the inquest resumed on Monday not to name ERU members or publish photographs of them.
"They are people who live in the community like you and I. They are married with children and I think the press should have been more co-operative and more thoughtful of these people," he said.
He added that he would like an explanation as to why his request was not heeded.
Mr Rory McCabe SC, for the State, said The Irish Times was the only paper which published the names. He said the paper had reported his request not to publish the names, and on the same page printed the names of three ERU members.
Mr Thomas Murphy, solicitor representing members of the Garda from the rank of inspector down, said the ERU men would give evidence in open court and not claim anonymity. "They want to deal with it in an open and frank manner at this forum," he said. However, he said he endorsed the coroner's comments.
Mr McCabe said he felt the coroner was entitled to a statement from The Irish Times.
Mr Patrick Gageby SC, for the Carthy family, said he was anxious the jury, who were present, should be free from hearing technical matters.
Mr McCabe said in the absence of an explanation from the newspaper, "I suppose we have no option but to proceed". The inquest then continued.