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THE RELATIONSHIP between the media and politicians, particularly those in government, has its stresses and strains. Politicians are sometimes inclined to the view that the media are interested only in stories that might portray them in a negative light. The media would hold that politicians – and government – often endeavour to restrict information in the hope of limiting negative comment.

This testy relationship is improving. An indication of this was on show yesterday when Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Dermot Ahern welcomed the publication of the second annual report of the Press Council and the Office of the Press Ombudsman which, he said, “have made great progress”.