Intimidation of journalists and disinformation 'threaten' the truth

Susan McKay said hard times had become 'normal times' for the press in Ireland. Picture:  Sasko Lazarov/Rolling News

There is no greater threat to the freedom of the press – and, in turn, to the truth – than the intimidation of journalists and the spread of disinformation, the newspaper watchdog has said.

Press Ombudsman, Susan McKay, said this was made “all too clear” by the scenes outside the Dáil three weeks ago, when far-right agitators hurled vicious abuse at politicians and media alike.