A growing trend of Irish politicians attacking journalists instead of addressing legitimate questions is undermining accountability, according to a column in the Daily Mail. The author, John Lee, a veteran journalist, contends that this behavior, which he likens to "Trumpian tactics," is becoming increasingly common across the political spectrum.
Lee's assertion comes as Ireland observes the 30th anniversary of investigative journalist Veronica Guerin's murder. At an event commemorating Guerin, Taoiseach Micheál Martin spoke of the vital need for a "free, democratic and professional media" and declared his determination to prevent "intolerant and authoritarian governments" from undermining independent journalism in Ireland.
However, Lee argues that Martin himself has increasingly clashed with independent journalism. He cites instances where the Taoiseach allegedly attacked reporting that highlighted inconvenient truths, such as the impact of his endorsement of Jim Gavin on his political standing. According to Lee, when reporting revealed that Martin's chief aide and deputy leader were aware of issues concerning Gavin before his selection as a candidate, the Taoiseach's office pushed for the report's publication and subsequently lashed out at the journalism that uncovered the story. Lee also points to an encounter where Martin told a journalist to have "manners" when questioned about his attacks on the press.
This pattern of deflecting criticism by targeting the messenger is not confined to the Taoiseach, Lee notes. The Labour Party is accused of attacking the Irish Daily Mail for reporting on inaccuracies in a candidate's biography, rather than directly addressing the errors. The column suggests that Labour leader Ivana Bacik herself had disseminated information containing the inaccuracy. The article also mentions incidents involving Sinn Féin members manhandling a reporter, and other politicians, including Heather Humphreys and Soc Dems' Gary Gannon, evading questions or making personal attacks on journalists.
The Garda Press office is also cited for allegedly suggesting reporters are irresponsibly blaming officers for a death when they raise questions echoed by former politicians. Lee contrasts this behavior with the journalistic practice of verifying information and offering corrections when errors are made, stating that his newspaper routinely allows subjects to review material before publication. He emphasizes that the Irish media operates under strict libel laws.
Lee concludes by referencing American journalist Finley Peter Dunne's adage, "journalism comforts the afflicted, and afflicts the comfortable," suggesting that discomfort among the "comfortable" is to be expected when journalism holds them accountable. He argues that these "Trumpian tactics" have taken root due to poor examples set by political leaders. The trend, he believes, has also been adopted by civil servants, citing an instance where a former Chief Medical Officer called a story "fabrication."