Mr Naughten said he told Mr Ó Neachtain — a PR lobbyist for Independent News and Media (INM) — that its proposed takeover of Celtic Media would “likely” be referred for approval. The National Union of Journalists yesterday also questioned minister’s contact with the INM lobbyist, with Seamus Dooley saying the matter raised “fundamental concerns”. Under questioning in the Dail, Mr Naughten also admitted he had spoken to Leslie Buckley at a INM data protection event last May in Dublin but this was only “small talk”. The Taoiseach said he was happy Mr Naughten did not reveal any confidential information in his phonecall. Housing Minister Eoghan MurphyJustice Minister Charlie Flanagan said he was satisfied no confidential information was given out by Mr Naughten.

Source: Irish Examiner April 18, 2018 22:52 UTC