Hotelier Mansfield dodges blame for collapse of empire

HOTELIER Jim Mansfield has denied walking away from creditors left owed millions after the collapse of his hotel, convention centre and golf course empire.

The 70-year-old businessman admitted he had protected himself from personal liability for the €192 million owed to banks, suppliers and employees by routing his businesses through off-shore companies in the Isle of Man.

But he said he believed his extensive Citywest complex was still viable and he hoped to be able to come up with funds to settle debts with many of the more than 400 individuals and companies owned money.