Tag: Seán Ó Fearghaíl

The media has played a crucial role in advancing the cause of the Oireachtas over the past 100 years, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail has said. As the host of a dinner in honour of members of the Oireachtas Press Gallery as part of the Dail’s centenary, Mr O Fearghail said the press coverage of the first Dail in 1919 was central to the international recognition of the assembly. He said political journalists were at the cutting edge of the profession, setting the national agenda on a daily basis. Past and present members of the gallery dined on a menu which was given to reporters a century ago. Mr O Fearghail said the challenge of modern journalism, with the internet and the 24/7 news cycle, is a world away from what reporters in previous generations faced. Last night’s dinner was part of a series of celebrations this week to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Dail. Gallery chairman Fiach Kelly, deputy political editor of the Irish Times, detailed the sometimes rocky relationship between the media and the House. He told of how, in 1966, the gallery passed a motion in protest at the poor placement of the media during the 50th celebrations of the Rising. However, he spoke of the pride felt by journalists who are lucky enough to arrive into work in Leinster House each day.