When interviewied by dotJournalism, Mr O'Muilleoir also said that he had "never been a fan of the free business model for the net".
"Our papers are world class and fill a vital niche; we offer great columnists as well as an Irish language service," he said. "So why aren't they worth paying for? And if someone in Belfast has to pay, why not someone in Belarus or Boston? When you pay for something it is perceived as having greater value."
He added that, with the Irish Times laying off 250 people in the past few weeks, it was "crucial to bring in some new revenue or face having to lay off people on our papers".
Readers have not readily taken to the move, however. "We've had lots of complaints and every one has been replied to courteously," said Mr O'Muilleoir. "Some of these people have been accessing the service since 1995 so it's a shock to the system, but the majority of our readers in North America and Australia are very loyal to our world view and we hope 15 dollars isn't too onerous."
Irelandclick.com is the web site of the bi-weekly Anderston News in West Belfast, and the North and South Belfast News. Annual subscriptions cost 12 pounds sterling or US$15.
www.irelandclick.com
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