Independent index puts Ireland’s press freedom at top in the world

IRELAND has the greatest press freedom in the world, according to an independent index of journalism around the globe.

With the least amount of violations against the press, Ireland sits alongside a number of northern European countries, including Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, in the upper echelons of press freedom.

Pole position places Ireland well ahead of other English-speaking countries such as Britain, 21st, and the United States, 36th.

The index, compiled by journalist support group Reporters Without Borders, looked at the state of press freedom across 175 countries. Questionnaires were given to journalists and human rights activists on issues such as violations against reporters, including attacks, imprisonment and murders as well as concerns over censorship.

It also included questions about the ability of the media in each country to investigate and criticise.

The index looked at financial pressure on media groups as well as penalties for press offences.

The index positioned a number of top European countries in much lower positions than their neighbours.

Reporters Without Borders secretary general Jean-François Julliard said it was disturbing to see European democracies such as France, Italy and Slovakia falling steadily in the rankings year after year and suggested Europe should also be setting an example as regards civil liberties.

“How can you condemn human rights violations abroad if you do not behave irreproachably at home?”

While Ireland jumped three positions to number one for this year’s index, several European nations have fallen significantly, including France (43rd), Slovakia (44th) and Italy (49th). These countries have given way to newer democracies in Africa like Mali, South Africa and Ghana.

Israel also fell 47 places in the index to 93rd position, following Operation Cast Lead, Israel’s military offensive against the Gaza Strip last year which had an impact on the press.

Israel has fallen behind other Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait (60th), United Arab Emirates (86th) and Lebanon (61st).