Journalist dispute resolved

IRISH journalist David Kelly has been given access to Ireland’s press conferences for the remainder of the New Zealand/Australia tour following a meeting of the players in Auckland.

Kelly met with press liaison officer Karl Richardson after a stand-off between journalists and the touring party on Tuesday.

Kelly was informed that he was not to be facilitated with either one-to-one or group interviews.

The players were unhappy with certain comments made by Mr Kelly earlier this week, and in the past. But their action sparked off an instant stand off, and other journalists who had arranged interviews with a number of players declined to carry out those duties and left the team hotel in protest.

However, after a meeting of the players, and a subsequent meeting with the journalist concerned, Mr Richardson issued a statement: “The issue has been resolved. The players felt they had to make a point, and they feel that point has been made. They are now happy to carry on as before for the remainder of the tour.”

Mr Kelly will be allowed access to press conferences and afforded the opportunity to do interviews.