The author of allegedly defamatory material posted about the Irish-based exploration company, Petroceltic International, and two of its executives on a blog, is a “malicious mischief maker,” a High Court judge has said.

The Director of Corporate Enforcement has withdrawn his appeal against the High Court’s refusal to make a disqualification order against a former senior manager with National Irish Bank.

DEVELOPMENT lands in Athlone valued in 2006 at €31 million have a current value of €600,000.

BANK of Ireland is seeking judgment orders for €17.4 million against a property developer under personal guarantees provided by him over certain loans to three of his companies.