We have reached a point in Irish life where serious crimes must not only be dealt with on their own terms, but the reporting and representation of those crimes have become entirely separate challenges.

The attack on a garda earlier this week in Dublin city centre is a case in point — the crime itself exists in parallel with how it has been misrepresented and weaponised by those following their own agenda. It is welcome news that assistant Garda commissioner for the Dublin metropolitan region, Paul Cleary, is to meet with Coimisiún na Meán, the media regulator, regarding the incident. Mr Cleary is expected to push for social media companies to do more on disinformation and its associated dangers.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Take us with you this summer

Annual €130 €65

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

Subscribe

Introductory offer. Annual billed once for first year. Monthly (discount first 3 months) billed monthly, then €12 / month. Ts&Cs apply.