`Magill' magazine gets back into circulation

Magill is back on the news-stands this morning

Magill is back on the news-stands this morning. The current affairs magazine, published between 1975 and 1991, was re-launched last night in Dublin, with a cover picture of Mr Charles Haughey under the caption, "grotesque".

The reception was one-hour old before the first copies of Magill were distributed to guests.

Hundreds of journalists, advertising people and politicians had gathered in Buswells Hotel for the revival of the magazine that died six years ago.

Before the publication arrived, the hotel was rife with rumour. Either the printing press had collapsed or editor Vincent Browne was still writing the lead story or the magazine's lawyers would not let the publication on the streets for fear of libel actions.

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The reality was more prosaic. Technical problems at the printing plant in Bray had delayed the magazine which will, of course, be on sale this morning, complete with its colour picture of Mr Charles Haughey clutching a rifle and underneath the one word "grotesque".

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, stayed for about half-an-hour but left before the magazine arrived.

His deputy, Ms Mary O'Rourke, was there along with former Taoiseach, Dr Garret FitzGerald, and presidential hopeful Ms Avril Doyle.

The lead story concerns Mr Haughey and in more than 7,000 words brings together the various strands of the stories concerning the McCracken inquiry, Dunnes Stores and the source of his wealth.

The arms trial story concerns the transcript of in-camera evidence given at the trial of Mr Haughey and others, which has never been published.

Mr Browne, editor and publisher, who wrote the Haughey story, also looks at the current Taoiseach's income.

Eamon Dunphy, commentator on current affairs and sport, reports on his own volte face and calls for Jack Charlton to be brought back as manager of the Irish football team.

Veteran sports writer Con Houlihan writes about Michelle Smith, saying the only thing in her veins is her Viking blood and that she is "pure heroine".

Actor Gabriel Byrne is to be a regular contributor. He writes in this issue about a dinner he had with Gianni Versace two days before he was murdered.