‘Unbalanced’ media reports criticised by president of the district court

The president of the district court has strongly criticised “inaccurate and unbalanced” media reports, in comments taken as referring to recent coverage of drink-driving conviction rates.

Judge Rosemary Horgan said the media perform “an essential and valuable service in our democracy” — but said the job comes with a responsibility to “ensure accuracy and fairness”.

Last month, The Irish Times ran a front page story stating that only 40% of drink driving cases listed before the district courts resulted in convictions.