Woman settles action against Sunday newspaper over anarchist allegations

A YOUNG woman who sued a Sunday newspaper for libel arising out of an article that claimed she was an anarchist, has settled her action and received an apology from the paper’s publishers.

Yesterday at the High Court, Miranda Egan-Langley, 28, of Mayfield House, Kyle, Bellaghmore, Co Laois, settled her action for damages against Associated Newspapers (Ireland) arising out of an article published by Ireland on Sunday on May 9, 2004.

Shortly before the case was due to open, following talks between representatives from both sides, Paul O’Higgins SC for Ms Egan-Langley told Justice Elizabeth Dunne yesterday afternoon that the case had been resolved. The hearing before a jury, had been expected to last for between three to four days.

Counsel SC for Associated Luán Ó Braonáin SC read a statement to the jury. He said that “in an article published on May 9, 2004, entitled ‘Miranda the anarchist born with a silver spoon,’ Ireland on Sunday referred to Ms Miranda Egan-Langley”.

“Ireland on Sunday accepts that Ms Egan-Langley is not and never has been an anarchist, does not support or condone violence, was not involved in violence at the May Day protest in 2004, is neither spoilt nor irresponsible, and is a hard-working diligent woman, and was not as reported dependent upon her father’s wealth in circumstances where he had sadly passed away in 1996.

“Ireland on Sunday apologises to Ms Egan-Langley and her family for the distress caused by its report,” concluded the statement.

No further details of the settlement were revealed to the court.

Justice Elizabeth Dunne welcomed the fact that the parties had resolved the issues between them.