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Stanistreet slams hypocrisy


The NUJ has condemned an attempt by the dissident group Saoradh to intimidate media through a statement that the union described as “menacing and arrogant”. The statement from Saoradh came after the PSNI carried out a series of raids in Derry on May 16th, in relation to last month’s fatal shooting of journalist Lyra McKee. Saoradh claimed a film crew was with the PSNI and claimed the crew “took part in the home invasions and where [sic] clearly complicit in the attacks on Republican families”. The Saoradh statement said this “may in


future, given the environment, endanger members of the press who do go about their profession in an impartial and objective manner”. In a joint statement, Michelle Stanistreet,


General Secretary, and Seamus Dooley, Assistant General Secretary, said journalists would not be intimidated by direct or indirect threats in their coverage of the police investigation into Lyra’s murder. The NUJ statement said: “We note the


statement issued by Saoradh. The tone is menacing and arrogant. This is a clear attempt


to intimidate journalists covering the investigation into Lyra’s murder. “The NUJ has confidence in the ability of our members to cover this story in a professional manner. We are unaware of the specific circumstances of yesterday’s raid. “The concern expressed for human rights


and for the safety and welfare of working journalists is hypocritical in the context of the murder of our member Lyra McKee. So too is the demand for an NUJ investigation into the presence of media representatives in the area during the raid. “We understand that in the statement issued


to the media, Saoradh provided pictures of the media crew, clearly intended to send a ‘message’. “Our message to Saoradh is clear and unambiguous. NUJ members will continue to do their work in a professional manner and will not accept either threats or lectures on standards from an organisation which responded in such a callous fashion to Lyra’s murder. “The best way we can honour the memory of


Lyra McKee is to continue her fearless work in exposing social justice and inequalities.”


News staff at Q Radio paused to stand with Lyra McKee on the day of her funeral in Belfast.


West of Ireland branch members Stephen Corrigan, Bernie Ní Fhlatharta, Declan Tierney and Judy Murphy signing the Book of Condolences at City Hall in Galway which was opened by Mayor Niall McNelis.


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