Press Council defends its role in wake of O’Brien libel action

Ireland’s Press Council has defended its role in the wake of recent criticisms voiced by Denis O’Brien during his libel action against the Irish Daily Mail.

Mr O’Brien won €150,000 last week in damages against the newspaper after columnist Paul Drury falsely accused him of hypocrisy in relation to humanitarian works the businessman financed in Haiti.

In a joint statement issued by council chairman Dáithí O’Ceallaigh and Press Ombudsman John Horgan, the council’s role in ensuring fairness and impartiality was emphasised.