The Communications Minister has accused the part owner of the Irish Daily Star – Richard Desmond – of hypocrisy.
It comes after he threatened to close down the paper for publishing topless pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge.
His company Northern and Shell (N&S) part-owns the Irish tabloid along with Independent News and Media (INM).
He has said he will take “immediate steps” to close the paper which employs around 80 people directly.
N&S has stakes in several publications and outlets.
These include Britain’s Channel 5, The Daily Express and OK! magazine.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said yesterday it was gravely concerned about the future of the Irish paper.
The NUJ says it has been in contact with the British media group which co-owns the paper and understands that it wants it to end publication.
A spokesperson this afternoon said Mr. Desmond made clear his intentions on Saturday and the issue is now in the hands of lawyers.
But Minister Pat Rabbitte says this is a complete over-reaction.
He spoke with Lunchtime here on Newstalk.
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