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.

Businessman Declan Ganley’s ability to pay the costs of a legal action over the issuing of the State’s second mobile phone licence means two companies associated with him do not need to put up money in advance in case they lose the action, a High Court judge ruled.

The defeated mobile phone licence bidders may not get the payout they expect, writes investigative correspondent Conor Ryan

THE Government will defend any legal proceedings taken by consortiums which lost in the bid to win Ireland's second mobile phone licence, officials said last night.