Statement by Irish Executive Council, on appeal by Guerin family on “Confessions of a Crime Boss”
At a meeting of the Irish Executive Council (IEC) of the National Union of Journalists today, September 7th, members considered a request from Jimmy Guerin for the union to support calls for Virgin Media not to proceed with broadcasting the remaining two parts of the documentary “Confessions of a Crime Boss” about the convicted criminal John Gilligan.
The IEC recognises the pain and hurt felt by the Guerin family and by many friends and colleagues of Veronica Guerin by the editorial treatment of Gilligan in the documentary. The IEC was concerned at the manner in which Gilligan has been presented as an individual meriting serious analysis akin to public figures rather than a figure deserving odium for his vicious behaviour towards Veronica Guerin, his own wife and family members, workers and others who stood in the way of his ambitions and those whom to whom he held a grudge.
The NUJ reminds programme makers, journalists and producers that there is an onus to behave in a responsible and ethical manner in the portrayal of criminals and to display sensitivity towards victims of crime. The treatment of the issue of domestic abuse in the forthcoming edition is especially disturbing.
Within the context of the NUJ Code of Conduct, the NUJ does not support boycotts or tell media organisations what they should not be broadcasting. The exercise of sound editorial judgement is a matter for the programme maker and for Virgin.
The IEC has strong reservations about the manner in which Gilligan has been presented and understands the feelings of those who have called for the programme not to be aired.
Speaking at the meeting, Séamus Dooley, NUJ Irish Secretary, said:
“Having worked with Veronica Guerin, an NUJ Member of Honour, I found it difficult to watch the programme. The analysis of John Gilligan and his so called “career” as if he were a public figure with a significant record of public service was extremely difficult to understand.
“Gilligan hurt many people. He injured, maimed and terrorised innocent people. I am unconvinced that public service journalism is best served by this type of editorial treatment of someone who has caused so much hurt and misery. I have particular concern at the flippant manner in which Gilligan deals with the issue of domestic violence.
“It is not the function of journalism to provide convicted criminals with a platform to whitewash their reputation or to platform their alleged alternatives truths.
“The misery caused by the activities of John Gilligan and his cohorts and by those who he professed to admire should not be lost sight of in the midst of carefully honed sound bites. The story of John Gilligan is the story of an odious criminal who acted in an amoral fashion in order to accumulate wealth.”
Virgin Media does not recognise trade unions and there has been no opportunity to engage with the company on this issue.