Anti-Nice campaigners have accused the media of bias after no journalists turned up at one of their press conferences, writes Paul Cullen.
The launch of the No to Nice Campaign's "pro-enlargement roadshow" in Dublin this week was attended by a group of young people from applicant states who are in favour of enlargement but opposed to Nice.
After no journalists turned up for the event, the campaign's spokesman, Mr Justin Barrett, accused parts of the media of "outrageous" bias.
Mr Barrett said it was "striking" so little interest had been shown in the views of applicant countries in Eastern Europe, when the referendum was about these countries.
He accused the media of making "a blanking decision" on coverage of the event. "The Irish Independent has ignored our pre-launch, our main launch and virtually every press release we've sent them," according to Mr Barrett.
He said The Irish Times was "not as biased" but had concentrated on controversial issues rather than the "meat and potatoes" issue which he felt were at the core of the campaign.
Mr Barrett acknowledged that he had brought up the issue of immigration. "I'm not embarrassed by this; it has worked very well for us."
Green MEP, Ms Patricia McKenna also criticised the media for alleged imbalance.
An analysis of newspaper coverage was being undertaken which she believed would show the extent of this bias.
The No to Nice roadshow will be touring throughout the State over the coming days.