The Murphy vs Herald case appeal is being fought on two fronts, the public opinion front and the legal front.

In the former, the Herald had been gaining some ground with its coverage of the judge's demands for settling the case.

But on the legal front, yesterday's decision is a setback. Especially where it leaves open the possibility of having the Herald's assets frozen. If you value the idea of a two paper town, that's seriously bad news for us all.