The Belfast based publishers of a new daily newspaper to be launched next month say they are seeking legal advice over comments made by the Justice Minister.
The publishers described Michael McDowell's comments about the newspaper as 'scurrilous and dangerous'.
The minister, in a statement published on the Justice Department's website, said the new paper, Daily Ireland, had the backing of the Provisional IRA, and compared it to a Nazi propaganda sheet.
Mairtin O'Muilleoir, the Managing Director of Daily Ireland, who also sits on a Government sponsored Irish Language body, said he was seeking a meeting with the minister in regard to the remarks.
Mr O'Muilleoir said the newspaper would be pro-united Ireland, anti-violence and pro-peace process. The publication is backed by a number of business people including the former GAA President, Peter Quinn.
The minister's statement has also been condemned by the National Union of Journalists. The NUJ's Irish Organiser, Seamus Dooley, said Mr McDowell's remarks could endanger the lives of journalists and staff on the paper.
Last month in a letter, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, sent his best wishes to the publishers of the new paper.
