Privacy:Progressive Democrats delegates voted overwhelmingly for a review of the proposed privacy legislation published by Michael McDowell last summer.
The proposed legislation as it stands would result in the "muzzling of the press", a culture of secrecy and a lack of public scrutiny, Dublin South East delegate, Tony Williams, told the conference.
Proposing that the legislation be reviewed, "in particular to avoid the dangers of muzzling the press through court injunction", Mr Williams said he supported the rights of individuals to have their private lives respected.
But there are already extensive privacy rights in Ireland and protections under the law he said, referring to "Geraldine Kennedy and Bruce Arnold and the telephone tapping case".
Mr Williams said it is not private individuals who would benefit if the legislation is enacted but well heeled individuals, the jet set and wealthy business people.
It would encourage a situation where people could conduct their business in smoky rooms, or certain tents at certain racecourses rather than in the spotlight of public scrutiny.
The provision in the Bill where people can apply to court in secret to prevent a legitimate investigation would result in serious press restriction, he said.
Mr Williams said the PDs have stood for transparency in Ireland and it would be a terrible shame if an unsuitable privacy law was passed.
If this law had been in place we would never have found out about Charles Haughey or about what happened in the Leas Cross Nursing home.
"It will be a charter for people who have something to hide and cover up," he said.