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.

Billionaire businessman Denis O’Brien has alleged before the High Court that Declan Ganley has acted “maliciously” and out of “spite” in bringing proceedings against him over the award of the State’s second mobile phone licence to Esat Digifone.

Lawyers for Denis O’Brien are looking for security of costs ahead of a High Court battle over the awarding of the second mobile phone license to Esat in the 1990s.

FORMER developer Tom Gilmartin hit back yesterday at business rival Owen O’Callaghan, who had attacked him and the way the Mahon Planning Tribunal was conducting its inquiry.

POLITICAL lobbyist Frank Dunlop claims he paid the late Liam Lawlor £153,500 during a 10-year period, the Mahon planning tribunal heard yesterday.