Former Irish Independent journalist Gemma O’Doherty at her Employment Appeals Tribunal in May.

You may recall how Gemma O’Doherty appeared before the Employment Appeals Tribunal on May 9 last when she took an unfair dismissal case against Independent News and Media.

The case was adjourned pending written submissions and on a decision on whether it should be postponed until after the conclusion of a defamation case – that Ms O’Doherty is taking against group editor-in-chief Stephen Rae and the Irish Independent.

Further to this, The Phoenix magazine, on shelves now, reports:

“There is now serious concern at INM and especially the Indo at what evidence O’Doherty is likely to bring forward at the EAT [Employment Appeals Tribunal] and the High Court whenever hearings take place. Group managing editor, [Stephen] Rae, has told the board that the situation is under control but that does not explain why O’Doherty has resisted efforts, including substantial compensation and a generous contract, to drop her case.”

“It is not just penalty points being wiped out for the ex-commissioner and the Indo editor that O’Doherty will be focusing on in her evidence. It is the deep, complex relationship between the Gardaí and INM editorial, especially the Indo, that will come under scrutiny at any High Court or EAT hearings. This will involve not only the Anglo tapes but also the coverage of the various Garda controversies like the GSOC bugging allegations, whistleblowers and so on.”

Gulp.

Previously: Going To Work

Are You A Journalist?

Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland