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The National Union of Journalists says it is gravely concerned about the future of 70 jobs at the Irish Daily Star.

The NUJ says it’s been in contact with the British media group which co-owns the paper and understands that it wants it to end publication.

Yesterday, Richard Desmond the Chairman of Northern and Shell said he was taking immediate steps to end the joint venture, in reaction to the Star’s decision to print topless photgraphs of the Duchess of Cambridge.

Seamus Dooley, the Secretary of the NUJ, is urging Mr Desmond to reconsider.