Ganley’s legal bill could run into millions if licence action fails

The businessman Declan Ganley could be exposed to a bill running into millions of euro if he loses in his legal action against the State and Denis O’Brien over the awarding of the second mobile phone licence to Esat Digifone.

Last Friday, Mr O’Brien failed in his attempts to get the plaintiffs in the case, Comcast International Holdings and two companies belonging Mr Ganley to furnish security for his costs.

Mr O’Brien had argued that neither Comcast International nor Mr Ganley’s companies, Ganley International Ltd and GCI, were based in this State.