FG criticises Government's response to Taoiseach's portraits

SEANAD REPORT:CRITICISING THE "Government's response to the satirical portraits of the Taoiseach", Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael leader in the House, said it was over the top for gardaí to go to the studio of a radio show seeking e-mails from the producer. Freedom of the press was critical at a time such as this.

"Whatever one feels about the merits or demerits of the portraits, we must be careful. What will happen next? When people telephone or e-mail Joe Duffy on Liveline, will somebody be sent in to see where those e-mails originated if somebody is critical of the Government? We must be very careful about such government interference, regardless of the merits of the issue under discussion."

Joe O’Toole (Ind) said some Senators had made the point in the past that the first victim of recession tended to be democracy, and the first post-democracy victim tended to be a free press and freedom of expression. “One can see this running through society at present. We must be aware of and watch these themes.”

David Norris (Ind) said he agreed with the criticisms that had been voiced. “There is a very long tradition of political satire. One need only think of Rowlinson, Gillray and Hogarth. The Prince Regent was subjected to considerably worse than anything suggested by the portrait of the Taoiseach. I compliment Ann Doyle for keeping a straight face, although there was a twinkle in her eye. The news item gave the people some amusement without causing any great harm. The lack of proportion shown in reporting it to the Garda and the charges – incitement to hatred, indecency and criminal damage for the hammering of a nail into one wall – make the situation farcical.”

John Hanafin (FF) said he was sure that the Taoiseach did not like to be portrayed in the manner he had been portrayed on RTÉ.

Ronan Mullen (Ind) said he disagreed with Ms Fitzgerald’s contention that it was totally inappropriate for the Garda to investigate what might be an offence. “If we start trying to second guess when the Garda can investigate, we will end up in very unhealthy circumstances in which people will be bullied into not having their rights. The comments of the producer of the Today FM show demonstrated that the station felt no contrition regarding abuse of a public personality. By publishing the portrait The Irish Times had perpetuated the story. This was the way in which the media could be abusive of people’s personal dignity.”

Seanad leader Donie Cassidy said it was seen as a joke, “but it is something of a sick joke. The Taoiseach is a public figure, but his wife and family are not, and every- one should bear that in mind”.

Paul Coghlan (FG) got the House’s consent to introduce a Bill, the purpose of which was to address a blatant anomaly in the law. The Director of Corporate Enforcement did not have the power to enter building societies. Therefore, he could not cross-check transfers, dodgy, illegal or otherwise, he said.