Government's model for a press council will be available for public consultation soon, Premier Ewart Brown announced yesterday.

The Premier said his plan for a body to force newspapers to comply with a code of practice agreed by editors had fallen behind schedule as discussions have continued at Cabinet level.

But he said Government remained determined to get a council in place.

"It was our stated plan to have a recommended press council model in the public domain for consultation by the second quarter of this year," Dr. Brown said in a Ministerial statement in the House of Assembly.

"The Central Policy Unit has thoroughly researched models around the world and the Cabinet has discussed CPU's findings. However, we believe further investigation and deliberation is required before we solicit consultation.

"Therefore, our self-imposed deadline for consultation has passed, but our resolve on this issue has not. "Our recommended press council model will be available for stakeholder consultation soon.

"It is an issue this Government still plans to deliver for the country."

The Premier said the press council would create a code of ethics and standards for news reporting that can protect the public from irresponsible journalism while not infringing on freedom of expression.

He first unveiled the plan in his Throne Speech in February, saying it came on the back of "the atmosphere in the recent election". Details on how the council might be appointed or what the code could include have not been released.

Commenting shortly after the Throne Speech, editors from Bermuda's three newspapers, The Royal Gazette, Bermuda Sun and Mid-Ocean News, said they wanted to hear more details before supporting the plan.

They warned a press council should not become a body used by politicians to score points against the media or thwart the pursuit of truth.