Judges Comments & Newspaper Headlines Unfair & Unhelpful says Michael Martin

''Comments Unfair & Hurtful'' says Cobh & Harbour Chamber President Michael Martin

Recent comments plastered across the front page of a local newspaper and attributed to a judge are unfair and unhelpful to the entire population of a town making extraordinary efforts to improve itself for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. Michael Martin, president of the Cobh and harbour chamber said tonight that the combination of Judge Patwell’s comments being emblazoned as a headline and the unbalanced article written without any alternative views undermined the decent people of the town and it’s civic minded and law abiding citizens.

He stated, “firstly the persons convicted by the judge of the vicious attack were from Cork city, not from the town. Criticising the town for the actions of non residents is like condemning the venue of a crime for the criminal action that was perpetrated there.

Secondly it is self evident that a judge whose function is to administer justice to lawbreakers will by definition encounter the criminal elements that come before him. He is not regaled in his chamber each day with evidence of hardworking resident committees improving the place that they live. During the judicial process there is no highlighting of the magnificent work of over fifty voluntary and charitable groups who make Cobh a wonderful place to live. Representations are not made to him about the marketing and promotion initiatives carried out by people in the commercial, voluntary and statutory groups who endeavour to present to the world a positive image of Cobh, Cork and Ireland.

To highlight momentary criminal activity by outsiders and then label an entire town as being a pit of violence is disingenuous, unhelpful and very unfair to the law abiding citizens who spend 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year making Cobh the wonderful place it is.

Senior figures in society have social responsibilities. In Ireland members of the judiciary enjoy the benefit of independence from social and political influence. But all benefits confer duties and it is the duty of such figures when commenting on a particular community to give balance to the image they convey in the headlines, to detract from having people believe that an entire location is one of criminal behaviour especially when that behaviour is in this instance instigated by people who do not belong there”.

2307hrs.      29/4/10

Michael Martin

President

Cobh and Harbour Chamber

Ph 087 276 7218