Madam, - The public reaction to the Kevin Myers controversy is a reminder of the important role which newspapers play in Irish society.
It is fortuitous that your edition of last Thursday carried a report of comments made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform during a debate in Seanad Éireann.
Mr McDowell has confirmed that he is in favour of establishing a press council and the creation of a press ombudsman. He is not in favour of a State-appointed council but rather supports a council funded but not controlled by the newspaper industry.
This is a line firmly supported by the National Union of Journalists. Unfortunately in his speech Mr McDowell referred to the work of the "National Newspapers of Ireland steering committee" which is working to establish an independent press council.
The steering committee to which he refers is not an NNI committee but is an industry-wide committee under the independent chairmanship of Mr Tom Mitchell, former Provost, Trinity College Dublin. It includes representatives of the UK press in Ireland, magazine publishers and the regional newspapers. Two NUJ representatives also sit on the committee. All members are of equal rank.
This is a unique venture, the first time that all industry players have joined forces to address the legitimate public demand for higher standards and a uniform redress system when mistakes are made.
It is important to emphasise that while the proposed council will be funded by the industry this is one case where those who pay the piper will not be calling the tune. - Yours, etc.,
SÉAMUS DOOLEY, Irish Secretary, National Union of Journalists, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1.