Uneasy Anglo-Irish relations were highlighted in 1974 when a memo sent by the Department of the Taoiseach expressed concern at the British input into the Irish media. "The British input into our media is extensive and the use of the PA [Press Association] Service which goes to all Dublin newspapers, and to which they all pay heed, has created problems," the memo stated.
"In order to monitor this, the Government Information Services will shortly install the PA Service and be in a position to monitor all British political and financial news. As an intelligence source for central government, this should prove useful."
The memo on media coverage also warned that recent staff changes in the media "could well create highly competitive and thereby deeply probing type of journalism. Consequently, governmental policy and actions are likely to be examined and reported upon in a far more detailed way".
It warned that there had been "mounting criticism" of the length and content of ministerial speeches. "Putting it briefly, that some speeches contain not a single fundamental thought of any worth," an official wrote. He repeated advice from the Minister for Post and Telegraphs, Conor Cruise O'Brien, that a minister should be seen and heard "when he is doing something or has something concrete to say, and not when he can only deal in vague generalities".
