Jon: Veronica Guerin

Veronica Guerin plays a significant role in Irish history. Her “courage” may have taken her life, but it paved way for advancement in the Irish judicial and legislative systems. Personally, I think Guerin is an over ambitious fool for risking her life after multiple threats and assaults. Her incessant nagging for the good of a story annoyed me. However, I knew her intentions were well-founded. Her column in the Sunday Independent became the focal point of her life and a popular periodical amongst readers. She was careful to follow correct procedures as to avoid breaking libel laws, however her invasion of privacy could be described as “poor ethics”. Good journalists are determined to get information by any means possible, sometimes at the expense of other people’s time and property. Guerin’s continual interference in a dangerous and illegal industry put her and her family at a large risk. I don’t agree with her tenacity, however, I believe it served a purpose. After her death, the Irish parliament implemented laws that focused exclusively on criminals. The Crime Act of 1996 and the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996 made it legal for criminal assets obtained by suspected criminals to be seized by the government. Many drug dealers have been arrested or forced out of Dublin since Guerin’s death. Her role in the Irish media is reputable as her accomplishments continue to be acknowledged. Journalists have a difficult job. Guerin’s story proves that uncovering necessary information is not always a safe and easy task. However, it also proves that sometimes, that’s what it takes to make a change in public policy. Ireland has clearly benefitted from Guerin’s actions. Two Irish films (When the Sky Falls and Veronica Guerin) based on her story have been made. Irish recording artists such as Savatage and Christry Moore have written songs in her honour. Journalist, Emily O’Reilly published a biographiy about her.