Sir, - Vincent Browne today (June 28th) argues that the investigation of crime is ancillary to the essential role of the press and that journalism is essentially about holding the institutions of power in society accountable for the exercise of their power (and how they cope with crime).
Perhaps he will realise eventually the awful truth that organised crime has become an institution of power in this society. For now, I cannot think of a better way to fulfil the essential function Mr Browne allows the press than by exposing the criminal activities which those (constitutional) institutions so obviously have not coped with.
Mr Browne tells us that Veronica Guerin did not agree with him; unfortunately, those who killed her do not seem to agree with him either. - Yours, etc.,
Ashbourne,
Co Meath.