Press Ombudsman Susan McKay said 'even the threat of a defamation suit could lead to costs capable of sinking a publication'. Photograph: Alan Betson
“At a time when Press Council members are already struggling due to diminished income and the voracity of unregulated social media platforms,” she said, “even the threat of a defamation suit could lead to costs capable of sinking a publication. This is bad for the freedom of the press and bad for democracy.”
Table 45 review: Bar off Merrion Square transformed into new tapas restaurant full of home-made warmthMisadventures in babysitting: ‘We trusted her. Here she was drinking and dancing as our son cried’ “Jury trials are unpredictable, time-consuming and costly,” they say. “Several jury awards, giving damages greatly in excess of those available in severe personal injury actions, have served to bring the legal system into disrepute. A reasoned decision by a judge brings predictability to the process and chimes with the need for greater openness and transparency in public life.”