Former TD allowed to sue 'persons unknown' for allegedly defamatory social media posts

Frank O’Rourke claims that members of the public told him that they had seen "horrible stuff" about him on social media and that his political supporters received "negative feedback on the doorsteps of North Kildare" following the publication of the comments.

Former Fianna Fáil TD Frank O’Rourke has been granted permission by the High Court to add 'persons unknown' to defamation proceedings he has brought over social media posts made in the run-up to last year's general election.

Mr O'Rourke has obtained orders in separate actions against Twitter International Company and Facebook Ireland Ltd as he tries to identify the posters so he can sue them for defamation.