The veteran journalist Charlie Bird says it's vital that the media and opposition parties continue questioning the Government during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mr Bird spoke to The Hard Shoulder this evening about the coronavirus crisis.
The broadcaster told Ivan: "I believe in wearing the green jersey... I understand the idea of social distancing, the idea of trying to keep people apart.
"[But] there should not be complacency by either the media or the opposition in asking questions. We live in a democracy, and people should be allowed ask questions and not be criticised for it."
Mr Bird pointed to the recent debates about whether the Dáil should be sitting, including objections from the Government over recent sittings.
He observed: "OK, they have to social distance in there... but they should be allowed ask questions."
He praised the new Labour leader Alan Kelly for asking "really pertinent points" in the Dáil chamber - suggesting more of that is needed.
Mr Bird argued that there's no question everybody is in 'uncharted waters'.
However, he insisted that journalists and opposition still need to seek answers from those in power.
In terms of the frequent media briefings seen here and elsewhere, Mr Bird said: "Journalists should be allowed to ask questions on behalf of the public.
"I'm not picking on any individual... collectively, all of us - everybody in the media has a job to do.
"The journalists must keep probing, keep asking the questions - they are the representatives of the public, as is the opposition."
