The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have remained silent following the delivery of a letter bomb to leading Irish journalist David Quinn, who is also director of the Iona Institute. Merrion Square was partially closed as Gardaí and the bomb squad attended the scene last week. The silence of politicans stands in stark contrast to the strong public statements issued when threats were directed at senior government figures in recent months.
The muted response has sparked speculation that official concern for press freedom may be selective. Despite all the publicity surrounding threats to the Tánaiste, critics speaking to this paper argue that concern for the safety of prominent journalists appears to hinge on whether their views align with the Government’s liberal agenda.
Commentators also note that had the target been a columnist for The Irish Times, or a leading member of a liberal lobby group the incident would almost certainly have drawn swift condemnation from the Dáil and even Áras an Uachtaráin. Instead, the absence of a strong reaction has raised questions about double standards in the government’s commitment to defending free expression.
