Taoiseach Leo Varadkar accused Sinn Féin of a policy of “shouting down or suing” the media and other political parties, reports Breaking News.
Sinn Féin has faced criticism in recent weeks after TD Chris Andrews’ team took legal action against Irish Times journalist Harry McGee.
Party leader Mary Lou Macdonald has already defended the right of individual Sinn Féin politicians to take action against the press in any way, including suing the media.
Ms McDonald was also accused of launching a strategic public participation case (SLAP) against members of the media, a claim she denied.
Slaps are often characterized by lawsuits, sometimes disguised as defamation actions, brought to silence or diminish the resources of a journalist or publication.
Mr Varadkar said: “May I speak? May I speak? It’s a very clear and consistent approach with Sinn Féin towards the Government, towards other opposition parties, towards the media: Shout them down or sue them. This is a parliament, this is a democracy, and I’m going to be heard,” reports Breaking News.
He added: “It is a serious issue, so may I be heard without being threatened legal action or being shouted down, would that be possible? This is still a democracy, deputy, and we’re not going to let you take away our democracy through threats or your activities, I can guarantee you that,” reports Breaking News.
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