Libel law - O’Brien case shows need for reform

Precisely how ridiculous and in need of serious reform our libel laws are was illustrated graphically by the awarding of €750,000 to Denis O’Brien against the Mirror Newspaper Group.

The record damages — the highest awarded in the State — was absurd, given that the Supreme Court had negated an award of £250,000 (€317,000) in Mr O’Brien’s favour six years ago by a jury in the High Court.

The absurdity arises because the jury this week was given no indication of the superior court’s attitude to that award, the excessiveness of which was appealed by the Mirror.