New town debate: public are entitled to fair and balanced coverage
Following an introduction by the county manager, an interesting debate took place regarding the pros and cons of the proposed new town.
Councillors then voted resoundingly in favour of putting the proposal to the public for consultation, with 23 voting for and 13 against.
Having read your report headlined ‘Contentious town project part of draft plan’ the following day, I wonder if your reporter slept through all but the negative aspects of the meeting or if he merely took a press release from those who oppose the proposal?
Your report certainly did not reflect the mood of the meeting or give the councillors credit for intelligent debate. It certainly was not a fair account of a public debate. There was not a single positive point covered in relation to the idea. Should readers not expect some kind of balance in coverage of these matters? The coverage is completely at odds with the resulting decision of the councillors and left me asking whether I was at the same meeting. If it represents the views of the reporter or the Irish
Examiner on the proposal, then you should come out and say so. Otherwise give us a balanced and fair report of proceedings and let us make up our own minds. Different ideas and approaches to current problems are of benefit to society and should be encouraged, not silenced, by those in positions of power, particularly in the media.
Apart from anything else, your report shows a lack of respect for a democratic decision to put the pros and cons before the people. As this proposal enters the public domain and will, no doubt, give rise to debate over the coming months, I sincerely hope your publication will pull up its socks and give an accurate and balanced account to your readers.
Máire C Ní Chuimín
Ballymountain
Innishannon
Co Cork
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