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Home Page > News > Alan Shatter calls for an end to ‘creepy keyhole journalism’ after Kate Middleton fiasco

Alan Shatter calls for an end to ‘creepy keyhole journalism’ after Kate Middleton fiasco

Justice minister says review of privacy laws necessary

DARA KELLY,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 8:04 AM

Updated Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 8:04 AM

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Justice Minister Alan Shatter

Photo by PA

The Irish Justice Minister has called for an end to "creepy keyhole journalism".

Alan Shatter has vowed to revise the current privacy laws governing the media, after the Irish Daily Star republished topless images of Kate Middleton.

On Monday, the editor of the Irish Daily Star, Michael O'Kane, was suspended pending an investigation into the publication of the images.

"In the light of this, and other actions by sections of the print media, it is my intention to bring proposals to cabinet in the new year," Shatter told the Evening Herald.

"This was always my intention, but given what we have seen in relation to the Star newspaper, we will review the legislation sooner than expected.

“It is my responsibility, as Minister for Justice, to introduce measures in this area while still protecting good news and investigative journalism."

The National Union of Journalists described Minister Shatter's plans as an "overreaction."

"Legislation in itself is not the answer. The strongest privacy legislation in Europe is actually in France, where this was published. Privacy is notoriously difficult to legislate for," NUJ secretary-general Seamus Dooley told the Herald.

Nster.com

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IrelandNorth | Sep 21, 2012, 08:44 AM EDT

Creepy John Bull imperialism that exploited Cáitlín Ní Hóulihán - creepy truce and treaty that schizophrenised a nation - creepy 'Emergency' taoisigh who conducted an allied neutrality - creepy mass psychology of fascism of Jew hating Deutschlanders - creepy mass hysteria of religious fundamentalism which threatend ones promised land - creepy neocolonial shamrocks 'n' shennagin skullduggery to combat it - creepy journalism - creepy everything! Enough to give one the creeps, I dare say.

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merefalow | Sep 20, 2012, 05:14 PM EDT

whats wrong with creepy keyhole journalism,without it we would be even more in the dark than we are,defend the free press,defend investigative journalism,defend free speech,stand up for transparency of government and democracy And support 100% the brave stand against tyranny and intimidation by feudal religious fanatasism, taken by the french government.

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hermitTalker | Sep 20, 2012, 01:25 PM EDT

His Coalition partners could apply the same standards to fair, truthful, accurate comments about the Catholic Church. They are off-message regularly on everything really crucial, promoting abortion and Jack and Jim and Jill and Jenny marriage, not to mention finding new vulnerable targets on which to balance the budget, afraid of the Croke Park agreement. leaders lead, sheep follow.

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bunkerhill | Sep 20, 2012, 10:10 AM EDT

With all the economic woes caused by crooked banks which has deeply affected Ireland along with so many other countries, is this Shatters top agenda? Something is wrong with this picture. Doesn't Ireland have freedom of the press. What about Harry? He was totally nude in an $8,000 a room night in Las Vegas while many of our ex GI's are homeless. Is Shatter suing Las Vegas and the American media. I think the Irish should keep their eye on that guy. He has an agenda far beyond Ireland.

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aloistmartin | Sep 19, 2012, 04:31 PM EDT

But if you want to know how i really feel Get the cameras rolling Get the action going Baby you know our love for you is real Take me where you want to Make my heart you steal More more more how do you like it how do you like it More more more how do you like it how do you like it More more more how do you like it how do you like it Ouuuh...how do you like your love? .... :):):)

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aloistmartin | Sep 19, 2012, 04:13 PM EDT

Kate`s built like a Centaur ! Shes got a lot more Buck than her Notorious Wardrobe Malfunctioning Mother in Law :):):)

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WoundedKnee | Sep 19, 2012, 12:26 PM EDT

Quite right, lynchy, when I see Shatter I think "Creepy"!

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Lynchy | Sep 19, 2012, 12:22 PM EDT

he shouldn´t use the word creepy.

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POL O L | Sep 19, 2012, 12:20 PM EDT

This one is a Dark lord in disguise! He maybe looking for a Knighthood from the Brits.Sort out OUR own problems.

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cillowen | Sep 19, 2012, 11:09 AM EDT

Minister at large - extension of our Master's arm, one of manny positioned throughout our planet - Iran needs taming it being the only real hold-out. Everyone else skipping to my loo.

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slainte9 | Sep 19, 2012, 10:56 AM EDT

Minister of Justice... for Britain. He should run for Parliament.

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biggles008 | Sep 19, 2012, 09:27 AM EDT

Has Kate Middleton something that no other female has.Get a job kate and earn your living.

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manhattan | Sep 19, 2012, 08:12 AM EDT

Finally someone with good moral judgement.

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