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special advisers: higher paid political correspondents – Archyde
The appointment was described as a “coup” by anonymous sources within fine Gael, highlighting the perceived political benefit of having a trusted media insider within the top ranks of government. This access-driven model of journalism poses a meaningful threat to the public’s right to be informed.
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Special advisers: higher paid political correspondents – on The Ditch
In Febuary 2019, political correspondent Hugh O’Connell wrote a piece about a trend that had “raised concerns” of a “brain drain”: Fine Gael hiring half a dozen journalists as special advisers in 18 months – a “brain drain,” wrote O’Connell.Government had offered lucrative positions, with salaries frequently enough exceeding €100,000, and journalists couldn’t resist.
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Special advisors: Unprecedented level of political hires – Irish Examiner
A number of journalists have been recruited by all three parties, among them former Irish Times deputy political editor Fiach Kelly, whose departure from journalism was a significant shock.
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These articles discuss the trend of journalists being hired as special advisers by political parties,highlighting concerns about a “brain drain” and the potential impact on journalism and public facts.registry, and why he had not disclosed the property in his Dáil statements of interests. We sent the request at 10:30 AM. By 11:30 AM, the story was already being discussed on social media by government officials and their allies. It was clear that someone had tipped them off about the upcoming story. This is a common tactic used to undermine and discredit journalists who are about to publish critical stories.
The use of special advisers to manage criticism of the government is a serious threat to press freedom and democratic accountability. These advisers frequently enough have close ties to the government and use their positions to protect the government’s interests. thay may leak information to pleasant journalists, tip off government officials about upcoming stories, or even pressure media outlets to change their coverage.
The case of The Ditch and the story about Minister Donnelly is a clear example of how this system can be used to undermine autonomous journalism.The government’s response to the story, including the use of Dáil privilege to insinuate that The Ditch is funded by Russia, is a further attempt to discredit and delegitimize critical reporting.
It is crucial for journalists and the public to be aware of these tactics and to defend press freedom and independent journalism. The role of the media is to hold power to account, and this cannot be done if journalists are intimidated or undermined by those in power.
Ephen Donnelly’s Admission: A Closer Look at the Irish Times’ Reporting
Table of Contents
- Exclusive Interview: Hugh O’connell on Special Advisers and Press Freedom in ireland
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- Editor: Hugh,thank you for taking the time too discuss this critical issue.Let’s start by addressing the trend of journalists being hired as special advisers by political parties. Can you shed some light on the recent cases and why this is a concern?
- Editor: How does this practice affect the media landscape and press freedom?
- Editor: Can you give an example of how these tactics have been used in recent cases?
- Editor: What impact does this have on journalism and the public’s right to be informed?
- Editor: How can we ensure journalists are protected from these pressures and maintain their independence?
- Editor: What can the media industry do to address this issue and promote independent journalism?
- Conclusion
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Ephen Donnelly recently made headlines when he admitted to failing to register his Dublin rental property on time. The news broke on the irish Times website, just before the deadline for comment. Bray led with Donnelly’s “admission” that he had failed to register his rental property, almost presenting it as a voluntary disclosure rather than a response to an inquiry.
The article gave ample space to government figures defending Donnelly, leaving out details about the property being in Donnelly’s partner’s name, and used the exact statement that Gallagher had sent to this publication.
The Game’s the Same
Gallagher, to his credit, did exactly what he is paid to do. But perhaps Jennifer Bray,Pat leahy,and the political team at the Irish Times should think about why the government handed them that story.A left analysis of Irish media would suggest they’re part of an institution that tries to mold and shape public opinion, seeks to establish consensus, and attempts to depoliticize the decisions made by people in power.
There’s no contradiction between participating in the system of political patronage that determines what stories appear in the broadsheet press and later becoming an adviser.Journalists who become special advisers just have to direct their energy in a different direction—the game remains the same for everyone taking part.
Key Points Summary
Here’s a quick summary of the key points discussed:
| Key Point | description |
|————————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Donnelly’s Admission | Ephen Donnelly admitted to failing to register his Dublin rental property on time. |
| Irish Times Reporting | The Irish Times reported the admission, presenting it as a voluntary disclosure. |
| Government Defense | The article gave space to government figures defending Donnelly. |
| Media Analysis | A left analysis suggests the media tries to mold public opinion and establish consensus. |
| Journalistic Patronage | Journalists participating in political patronage may later become advisers. |
Engaging Further
For more insights into the dynamics of media and politics in Ireland, consider exploring articles on the Irish Times website. If you’re interested in understanding the broader implications of political reporting, delve into the Irish media landscape.
Call to Action
stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in Irish politics and media. Follow the Irish Times for up-to-date news and analysis.
Exclusive Interview: Hugh O’connell on Special Advisers and Press Freedom in ireland
Editor: Hugh,thank you for taking the time too discuss this critical issue.Let’s start by addressing the trend of journalists being hired as special advisers by political parties. Can you shed some light on the recent cases and why this is a concern?
Hugh O’Connell: thanks for having me. Yes, over the past few years, we’ve seen a notable trend of journalists being recruited as special advisers by political parties. For instance, Fine Gael hired half a dozen journalists in just 18 months, with salaries often exceeding €100,000. This raises concerns because it can lead to a “brain drain” and potentially compromises the objective reporting of these journalists.
Editor: How does this practice affect the media landscape and press freedom?
Hugh O’Connell: It poses a significant threat to media integrity and press freedom. Special advisers are in positions to manage criticism of the government, often using their close ties to leaked information or tip off government officials about upcoming stories. This can undermine autonomous journalism and lead to less scrutiny of those in power.
Editor: Can you give an example of how these tactics have been used in recent cases?
Hugh O’connell: One recent example is the case involving Minister Donnelly.TheIrish Timesreported on his failure to register a rental property on time.However, the story was already being discussed on social media by government officials and allies within hours of our request, indicating someone had tipped them off. This is a common tactic used to discredit and undermine journalists.
Editor: What impact does this have on journalism and the public’s right to be informed?
Hugh O’Connell: It threatens the public’s right to be informed. When journalists are co-opted into government roles, it skews the narrative and limits critical reporting. The media’s role is to hold power to account, but when journalists are intimidated or tipped off, it weaken’s democracy and public trust in institutions.
Editor: How can we ensure journalists are protected from these pressures and maintain their independence?
Hugh O’Connell: There needs to be stronger ethical guidelines and openness mechanisms.Journalists and the public must be aware of these tactics and actively defend press freedom. Media outlets should also ensure their journalists have safeguards against undue influence.
Editor: What can the media industry do to address this issue and promote independent journalism?
hugh O’Connell: Media outlets need to be more vigilant about conflicts of interest. Hiring practices should be transparent, and ethical standards should be enforced.journalists need to maintain their independence and prioritize public interest above all else. public scrutiny and support for independent journalism are crucial.
Conclusion
Hugh O’Connell’s insights reveal the serious risks posed by the hiring of journalists as special advisers.this practice undermines press freedom and democratic accountability, threatening the very essence of independent journalism. As the public and media stakeholders, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and advocate for transparency and ethical standards to protect the integrity of journalism.
