Horgan defends Press Council system

PRESS Ombudsman John Horgan has insisted the system of newspaper regulation offers “quick, fair and free redress” to persons who have been wronged in print.

The ombudsman’s office was formally launched earlier this month together with the country’s first Press Council. It is intended the two bodies will together act as a watchdog, providing a forum for people making complaints about newspapers and magazines.

But some observers have criticised the system, arguing it is effectively self-regulation by the press.