Courts / Ireland / Report

RTE wants "Tweetgate" action dismissed

Summary

RTE has filed a pre‑trial motion with the High Court to have Sean Gallagher's lawsuit dismissed, arguing that he has not complied with orders to provide material the broadcaster says is relevant to the case. The disputed material includes e‑mails from Gallagher's campaign to become president. RTE's counsel, Paul Gallagher SC, described Gallagher's approach to discovery as "alarming" and cited serious negligence, while Gallagher's counsel, Niall Buckley BL, acknowledged initial deficiencies but said they were rectified. Gallagher's claim seeks a declaration that an October 2011 RTE Frontline debate was unfairly edited to damage his electoral prospects, and he also seeks damages for alleged breach of statutory duty, negligence, misfeasance, and exemplary damages related to comments by Pat Kenny. RTE denies all allegations, stating Gallagher's actions harmed his prospects. The motion is before Mr Justice David Keane, with the hearing expected to conclude on Friday. Gallagher was not present at the hearing. Sean Gallagher had the case struck out.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: RTE wants "Tweetgate" action dismissed. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Struck out

When:

• October 2011 Other
• 2016-04-28 Publication

Why: In his action, Mr Gallagher seeks a declaration that the October 2011 RTE Frontline debate involving the election candidates was deliberately and unfairly edited and presented and directed by RTE in order to damage his electoral prospects in the election. CNI source report

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Stage Finding

Read the original CNI report