Should information acquired illegally be published?

THE recent publication by a national newspaper, heretofore considered reputable, of unlawfully obtained information concerning the Taoiseach has raised interesting and important issues relating to the legal, ethical and moral behaviour of the media in Ireland.

The Flood (now Mahon) Tribunal was established by the Oireachtas to inquire into certain payments to politicians to see if there was any evidence of wrongdoing.

It is a tribunal conducted in accordance with the law; its actions and decisions are reviewable in the courts and it is accountable to the Oireachtas. Despite its shortcomings, it is carrying out very important work in exposing corruption in politics.