The people of County Monaghan received a huge shock this morning with the news that The Northern Standard newspaper, which has been a Monaghan institution for 186 years, is set to close. For generations, The Northern Standard has been a trusted local voice with top-class local journalists, photographers and other staff. It has chronicled every significant event in our community life. It has held to account those of us in political life. Its closure would be a huge loss and it creates real concern about historical records and contemporary reporting. Of course, the disappearance of an historic paper such as The Northern Standard is part of a much wider pattern. Does the Government intend to bring forward any legislation or other supports for local and regional media? As a matter of urgency, will the Government see if an intervention can be made to explore whether there is any possible avenue to save The Northern Standard?

Sentiment score: 0.22