Fine Gael warns against reactivating Privacy Bill

FINE GAEL last night warned newly appointed Justice Minister Dermot Ahern against reactivating controversial privacy legislation.

FG justice spokesperson Charlie Flanagan said Mr Ahern was one of a number of Fianna Fáil figures who “twisted the arm” of Michael McDowell to bring in a Privacy Bill in tandem with reform of the defamation laws before the last general election.

The proposed privacy clampdown was “parked” in the Seanad by Mr McDowell’s successor at justice, Brian Lenihan.