Back in August I had called for the former Ambassador to Ireland, Richard Muscat, and his family, to be left in peace to tackle a difficult family situation. That appeal was made because the media were full of negative opinions, if not accusations, from politicians, established journalists and others.

Now we know that the Irish police have concluded that there is no case against Mr Muscat's son. I congratulate Mr Muscat for being vindicated. I also express my bewilderment at the absolute silence on the part of the Government and the media following the exoneration of the young man from an allegation that led to his father's resignation. Have the media now lost their voice? Is this just?

I hope that our sense of justice has not been so dulled to blind us to the harm done by the false accusations, and the prominence that local politicians and the media gave them, which should now be rectified.