This is a dangerous attempt by government to exert editorial control over the media in an attempt to muzzle it
It is jaw-dropping that Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan is attempting to blame the media for the fuel protests, according to Social Democrats Media spokesperson Sinéad Gibney.
Deputy Gibney said:
“This government’s handling of the fuel protests has been a disaster. Throughout the week the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Justice Minister were among a number of senior ministers who issued a series of incendiary statements that inflamed tensions, rather than reducing them.
“Now, instead of owning up to the government’s own failings, and reflecting on how badly they mismanaged the situation, Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan has opted to shoot the messenger – the media.
“In a jaw-dropping and sinister interview this morning, the Minister sought to blame the media for the growth of protests and said the coverage was, in his view, “lop sided”. Not just this, he said he would be speaking to the media regulator, Coimisiún Na Meán, and demanding a review.
“This is a transparent, and frankly pathetic, attempt to defray blame for the government’s own botched approach, not just to the protests – but to the cost-of-living crisis, which has endured now for years.
“It is also a dangerous attempt by government to exert editorial control over the media in an attempt to muzzle it. A cornerstone of any strong democracy is a free media. Any attempt by the government to chip away at this will be fiercely resisted.
“The reality is this government is arrogant, aloof and totally out of touch. They have not been listening to people – and did not therefore understand the degree of pressure an increasing number of people are under when it comes to the cost of living.
“Even now, they have introduced a package of measures that will provide almost no support to those low and middle income individuals and families who are really struggling.
“Instead of lashing out at the media, the minister would be better advised to reflect on his – and the government’s – catastrophic handling of these protests.”