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"Black holes" in €250m damages case against Michael Fingleton, lawyer claims

Summary

In the High Court's fourth day of the civil case against former Irish Nationwide Building Society chief Michael Fingleton, his lawyer, Niall Clerkin, argued that the case is plagued by "black holes" in documents and witness evidence. Clerkin said substantial tracts of paperwork are missing, including loan files for five property loans between 2006 and 2008 that IBRC claims caused €6 billion in losses but is now pursuing only €250 million in damages. He noted that Fingleton, aged 87 and ill‑health, cannot testify, and that only one senior staff member, Gary McCollum, remains to provide evidence, yet McCollum is too confused by the missing documents to give reliable testimony. Clerkin highlighted that no borrowers have been called by IBRC and that the critical triangle of Fingleton, McCollum and Tom McMenamin is incomplete. He urged the court to consider the lack of settled, factual documents before deciding on the case. The case continues at the High Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Black holes" in €250m damages case against Michael Fingleton, lawyer claims. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 1971 to 2009 Other
• 2006 and 2008 Other
• 2006 and 2009 Other
• 2025-05-09 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report