Hi °C | Lo °C The Republic's Justice Minister Alan Shatter has provoked a split in Government over the fallout from the publication of photos of British royal Kate Middleton.
Mr Shatter wants a privacy law to protect the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge in a row that last night led to the editor of the 'Irish Daily Star' being suspended from work.
On a solo run in the wake of the publication of the photos, Mr Shatter announced plans to resurrect an abandoned, six-year-old piece of legislation to place restrictions on newspapers.
But Irish Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte poured cold water on the plan.
Last night he said he was wasn't convinced that there was a need for a Privacy Bill.
"Notwithstanding the lamentable lapse of judgment and taste by the 'Irish Daily Star', I would have to be persuaded that resort to legislation on privacy is warranted," he said.
Mr Shatter's move caused widespread surprise within government circles and it is understood it was not cleared through the Cabinet.
He has proven to be highly sensitive about the Republic's media coverage of himself.
He has made statements in the past attacking the Irish Independent, RTE and other media outlets.
