Privacy laws - Bill framed to protect the powerful

ANY lingering doubts about the draconian nature of Ireland’s proposed new privacy laws have been scotched as media groups from 20 European countries oppose Justice Minister Michael McDowell’s repressive legislation.

Echoing the sentiments of the Irish media, press councils across Europe claim the swingeing rules would undermine the self-regulation of newspapers.

Clearly, the minister’s heavy-handed approach would spell the end of investigative journalism here. The exposure of the nefarious activities of people in high places, underlines the importance of serious, in-depth journalism as a plank of our democracy.

His critics believe the McDowell formula would undermine journalistic standards. According to the Alliance of Independent Press Councils of Europe, proposals for a self-regulatory press council here may be thwarted by this legislation.

There can be little credence in the minister’s argument that his legislation would protect all citizens from invasion of privacy while recognising the vital role of bona fide news-gathering. Undeniably, the bill is framed to protect the rich and powerful from the media gaze.

In the public interest, what Ireland needs is a voluntary press council run by the industry. What Mr McDowell proposes is nothing short of a Government-appointed quango — with all that implies.