The editors of Bermuda's three newspapers said yesterday they would wait to hear more details before supporting plans announced in yesterday's Throne Speech for a self-regulating press council.

But they warned that such a body should not be used by politicians to try to score points against the media or thwart the pursuit of truth.

Government said yesterday that the creation of a council to force newspapers to comply with a code of practice agreed by editors would "ensure that journalistic integrity and the freedom of information continue to mature".

The speech said: "Freedom of the press lies at the foundation of any democracy. The responsible exercise of this freedom is equally important."

Premier Ewart Brown said later at a press conference: "I would be less than honest if I didn't tell you that the atmosphere in the recent election probably made people think about it more."

His press secretary could give no more details afterwards on how the council might be appointed or what the code could include. Consultation on the plan will begin in the second quarter of this year.

Tony McWilliam, editor of the Bermuda Sun, pointed out that politicians do not have a code of conduct themselves. "The sceptics among us might argue that politicians should get their own house in order before asking the people who report on them to jump through too many hoops," he said.

"I'd like to reserve judgment on whether or not it's a good idea until we find out more about what's envisaged and what the real motivations are behind it."

He questioned whether a press council was necessary. "Speaking for the Bermuda Sun alone, I can say that over the years we've handled complaints effectively through various means, including printed corrections or clarifications, letters to the editor, one-on-one conversations and, in mercifully few cases, litigation. I'm not sure we need a panel of 'experts' to help us in this regard."

Mr. McWilliam added that he would support any "noble attempt to raise journalistic standards in Bermuda and make the press more accountable to the public" but added: "If it transpires, however, that we're doing little more than creating a forum for slighted politicians, zealots and fringe personalities to rail against the press for simply doing its job, then I'm dead set against it. Our job is to shine light in dark corners on behalf of the public and any attempt to intimidate journalists or thwart the pursuit of truth is a blow to democracy."

Bill Zuill, editor of The Royal Gazette, said he was disappointed that the press was not consulted before yesterday's announcement. "I would say first that compared to many other jurisdictions, the media in Bermuda are extremely responsible, careful and mature in how they cover the community, although I am not sure this is fully recognised," he said.

"At The Royal Gazette, we put considerable time and effort into training and into hiring highly trained staff and, although we do not have a formal code of conduct, ethical considerations are a major part of that training and make up much of our day to day deliberations on how to cover the news."

He said he was not personally opposed to the general principle of a press council, adding: "The devil is in the details and the proposal at the moment is extremely vague. We would be strongly opposed to such a council if it was subject to any kind of political control, or if the intent was to use it as a tool to limit freedom of speech."

Tim Hodgson, editor of the Mid-Ocean News, said: "I want to see more detail of what they are proposing before I comment. I'm looking forward to being contacted by the Government to discuss this."

Columnist and former Sun editor Tom Vesey said the term "self-regulatory" needed to be defined. "Obviously Government is planning to be involved in some way or it wouldn't be in the Throne Speech. I don't mind the Government giving the media a kick in the pants but I would be nervous and suspicious until I heard the details."

The idea of a press council for the Island is not new. It was first touted, according to this newspaper's archives, back in 1993 and has had various supporters over the years including former MPs Julian Hall, Renee Webb, Ann Cartwright DeCouto, Michael Scott and the late PLP leader Frederick Wade.

Many countries have independent press councils. In the UK, almost all regional and national newspapers abide by the Press Complaints Commission's Editors' Code of Practice.

The code's stipulations include accuracy, a fair right to reply to inaccuracies and protection of confidential sources. Invasion of privacy and publishing material gained by the unauthorised removal of documents are in breach of the code — except where it can be demonstrated to be in the public interest.

Adherence to the code is often written into an editor's contract — meaning failure to abide by it can affect their employment.