Defamation action set to be heard

A defamation action by the Cork developer Michael O’Flynn against European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton may be heard next week.

The proceedings by Mr O’Flynn arise from a speech by Ms Creighton, entitled Standards in Public Life and Accountability, to the MacGill Summer School in Co Donegal.

Mr O’Flynn, the founder of O’Flynn Construction, alleges that he was defamed in that speech of Jul 20, 2010, and in a follow-up interview with Ms Creighton broadcast on RTÉ Radio’s News At One on the same day.

He also alleges defamation against Ms Creighton in a follow-up Irish Times article on Jul 24, 2010.

Ms Creighton, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South East, has denied that she defamed Mr O’Flynn.

The case was listed for hearing in the High Court yesterday before a judge and jury, but did not geton due to other cases ahead of it.

Lawyers for both sides said they were anxious that the case should be heard as soon as possible.

Ms Creighton had cleared five days from her diary to be avai lable for the case, her counsel, Paul O’Higgins, said. She did not want it to be put back to next year as Ireland takes on the European presidency in January, he said.

Mr Justice Eamon de Valera said it was probable that the case would get on next week and he would hear it himself with a jury. The case was therefore “backed up” until next week on the court list.