96FM apologises to minister for defamation

“The apology says it all,” said minister of state Kathleen Lynch last night after she settled a defamation action against Cork’s 96FM.

The radio station confirmed yesterday that it has apologised to the Labour minister for on-air comments almost two years ago following the death of Kerry teenager Donal Walsh. The station also agreed to pay undisclosed damages after accepting that comments made on air by its former presenter, Neil Prendeville, which suggested Ms Lynch only commented on Donal’s death to generate publicity for herself, were wrong and untrue.

Ms Lynch welcomed the settlement, but said she would not comment further on its details.