Gately-gate is out of hand

In the last two days forth has published two backhanded defences of Jan Moir but developments in the last twenty-four hours have forced us to re-evaluate the situation and we have changed our position…

… to complete support for Jan Moir.

Do we agree with her comments? Not really, but it’s hard to know what that means – after all, she merely proffered an opinion, not an ex-cathedra statement. Still, no, we don’t particularly agree with her, but that is not the point.

forth requested an interview with Moir but she has been advised by her solicitors not to speak to the press. This alone indicates how ridiculous this situation has become. No matter how fervently anyone disagrees with Moir, is the writing of an opinion piece a serious enough matter for 22 000 complaints to the authorities (such as they are)? Should Moir have to get lawyered-up just to get through the day?

We say no – and we will be saying more now that the Irish Daily Mail has taken the craven step of attempting to distance itself from Moir and its British parent paper.

Watch this space.