Gallagher to sue RTÉ over debate

The failed presidential candidate, Seán Gallagher, has issued legal proceedings for exemplary damages against RTÉ over The Frontline debate just days before the Oct 2011 election.

In a statement, Mr Gallagher’s solicitor said he would be seeking a declaration from the High Court that the programme was unfair and seriously damaged his electoral prospects.

In March, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland upheld a complaint relating to the debate which was broadcast on 24 Oct, in which Mr Gallagher was forced to respond to a fake tweet incorrectly attributed to the official ‘Martin McGuinness for President’ account. The debate moderator, Pat Kenny, put a tweet to Mr Gallagher which resulted in him admitting he may have collected a donation for Fianna Fáil from a convicted fuel smuggler in Louth in 2006.