Solicitors allege defamation by Denis O'Brien in press statement over report on media ownership

The suit concerns a press statement responding to a report commissioned by then-Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan on the concentration of media ownership in Ireland

Denis O'Brien (pictured) and his spokesman James Morrissey deny defamation and have also advanced defences of truth and honest opinion, qualified privilege and fair and reasonable publication in a matter of public interest. File photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Two solicitors are suing businessman Denis O’Brien alleging they were defamed in a press statement issued in response to a report on the concentration of media ownership in Ireland.

The press statement was released on September 26, 2016, on behalf of Mr O’Brien by his spokesman James Morrissey, also a defendant in the case.