More than 25 journalists and newspaper editors from around the world attended a meeting of the World Media Network in Dublin yesterday. The group met the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, and the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, last night. The Government briefing dealt with questions on Northern Ireland, the economy and European security.
Earlier, the group discussed the joint publication of supplements by the partner newspapers. Ideas for next year included publishing a supplement on modern campaigners in areas like the environment, AIDS research and telecommunications. The Network also discussed publishing a review of the 20th century.
The Editor of The Irish Times, Mr Conor Brady, said international networking among journalists should be a sharing of ideas of excellence rather than a short cut to cheap foreign correspondents. The Irish Times has been a partner paper in the Network since 1992.
The group, which last met in Sarajevo, continues its plenary session today.