Media isn’t able to measure big protests

Earlier this year, I expressed concern about how the Irish media cover political demonstrations in Dublin, specifically the approximate number of participants in the anti water charges.

Coverage of the February protests ranged from ‘up to 10,000 protesters’ to: ‘tens of thousands’, to ‘20,000’, to ‘80,000’, to ‘50,000’.

Such coverage does not meet basic journalistic standards.

Incidentally, independent observers say there were 6,000-8,000 participants in the February march.

I again suggest that you contact Vincent Lavery and entertain his methodology as in: “Six steps for Head Counting.”

In closing, as the eldest living relative of Daniel O’Connell, I have an l interest in media accuracy on the centennial media coverage.

Incidentally, did the incorrect figures reported in these marches influence the recent elections?

Geoffrey O’Connell

Coliemore Road

Dalkey, Co Dublin