Courts / Louth / Report
Dispute over documents in Sean Gallagher "Tweetgate" action
Summary
In a High Court dispute, former presidential candidate Sean Gallagher seeks a declaration that RTE's 2011 Frontline debate was unfairly edited to damage his electoral prospects and that the broadcast was neither objective nor impartial. He also seeks damages for alleged breach of statutory duty, negligence, misfeasance, and exemplary damages for comments by Pat Kenny. RTE denies the claims, arguing Gallagher's election prospects were harmed by his own actions, including arranging a meeting with a former Taoiseach for €5,000 and collecting a cheque. Gallagher's lawyers argue that RTE should provide documents from the debate and the period up to the internal review published in November 2012, including Twitter material, RTE protocols, and notes on audience selection. RTE contends it will only disclose materials generated on the debate day or the following week, claiming a broader request is unfair and costly.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Dispute over documents in Sean Gallagher "Tweetgate" action. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- October 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 24th 2011 Other
- November 18th 2012 Other
- November 2012 Other
- 2014-05-02 Publication
Why: In his action against RTE Mr Gallagher seeks a declaration from the High Court the RTE Frontline debate in October 2011 was deliberately and unfairly edited, presented and directed by RTE in order to damage his electoral prospects in the election. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- Legal first sees miscarriage of justice certificate for IRA membership conviction quashed
- Garda murderer Brady's 'contempt' for trial with secret recording lands him with increased sentence
- Lorry driver who imported €1m in cannabis jailed for five years
- Lithuanian man admits engaging in terrorist plot to attack mosque
- Aaron Connolly gets date for retrial on Cameron Reilly murder
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request