Seanad report: A "very nasty item" had been carried in a newspaper yesterday about the failure of the Government press secretary in her libel action against the Star newspaper, Mr David Norris (Ind), said.
The words in a popular song, They Sent You Away And Now You Must Pay, had been included in the story, he said.
The Cathaoirleach, Mr Rory Kiely, said the House had no control over such matters.
Mr Norris said several newspaper editors had not only gloated in a most obscene way, but had gone on to demand that the Oireachtas pass a Bill further weakening the position of an individual. "It's not enough that the whole newspaper empire should crucify one individual, they now want libel laws weakened. Well, I would warn this House against it."
Referring to the Star, he said it was the newspaper which, 10 or 15 years ago, had asked him if he could confirm he was dying from AIDS. "That's the kind of people we're dealing with. I would advise this House very strongly to reflect on whether they should weaken the rights of the individual, including individuals in public life."