All of them are either denying this outright or claiming journalistic privilege, although Taylor has waived his privilege as a journalistic source. The witness claimed that his thinking “evolved” while he was suspended, to the point where he concluded that it had been wrong to smear McCabe. In his role as press officer, Taylor would have been in regular contact with journalists so the records themselves have little probative value. He has waived journalistic privilege, but a number of those he has named are claiming privilege nonetheless. There remains the threat of a diversion down to the High Court to resolve any issue over journalistic privilege.

Source: Irish Examiner May 16, 2018 22:52 UTC