Tánaiste Simon Harris has said there is “no need for any sort of formal review” of media coverage of recent fuel protests, amid criticism of remarks made by Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan.
Speaking to Gript this morning ahead of a Cabinet meeting, the Fine Gael leader was responding to condemnation from the National Union of Journalists, which described O’Donovan’s comments as “sinister and deeply disturbing.”
Harris emphasised the importance of press freedom and defended the role of journalists during the protests.
“Well, I’m a big supporter of freedom of the media, freedom of the press, as is the government, as is the minister,” he said.
“In fact, Minister Patrick O’Donovan will be bringing forward legislative change later this year to further underpin the importance of freedom of the media in line with a number of European developments.
“A free media, a robust media is an absolute vital part of our democracy.
“Of course, at the end of any difficult period, you can look back and say, at a moment of national crisis, how do we get information out there? Are there learnings?
“But I certainly don’t think there’s any need for any sort of formal review. These are matters for Coimisiún na Meán.”
He added: “We have in this country a free media, we have a robust media, and I think we have a fair media.”
Harris was also asked whether he agreed with O’Donovan’s suggestion that coverage may have been lopsided in favour of protesters.
He said journalists were dealing with a complex and fast-moving situation at the time.
“I think the media, like everybody in this country, were doing their best to deal with a fast-evolving, a very difficult situation,” he said.
“And my priority now as a government leader is to try and move forward, to try and deliver for people in this country, to try and make progress. That’s where my focus is.”
O’Donovan had previously said he would ask Coimisiún na Meán to examine whether coverage of the protests was “balanced or was it skewed,” citing feedback from members of the public.
The National Union of Journalists criticised those remarks yesterday, with assistant general secretary Séamus Dooley warning they could amount to pressure on independent media.
“I find these comments sinister and deeply disturbing,” he said.
“The media minister is not a bystander but is in a position to influence the allocation of funds, the approval of commercial radio licenses and overall policy on broadcasting.
“It is not his role to dictate to the independent regulator or to apply pressure on media organisations.
“RTÉ is a public service broadcaster – not a state broadcaster – and is independently regulated in the interests of democracy.
“You cannot have a ‘slightly independent’ public service broadcaster.”
The recent fuel protests have involved convoys and road blockades across the country, leading to disruption and public debate around protest tactics and coverage.