A Fine Gael activist has apologised to a Fine Gael Cllr at the High Court over a text message which wrongly alleged the Cllr's tax affairs were "not in order".
In his apology, read under a settlement of defamation proceedings brought by Cllr Paddy Meade, George O'Connor said he sent a text on January 28th 2015 to six Fine Gael members in Co Meath concerning Cllr Meade.
“In that text, amongst other things, I alleged that Paddy Meade’s tax affairs were not in order,” the apology stated.
“There is no truth in this text. Paddy Meade’s tax affairs are entirely in order and he has received his salary as he is perfectly entitled to. Paddy Meade has never behaved inappropriately.
“In so far as my text portrays Paddy Meade as being unfit for public office, this is entirely without foundation.
“Paddy Meade is a person of the highest standing. His integrity is beyond reproach. In his public life, he is devoted to the best interests of his constituents and is a person clearly suited to represent his constituents in any forum.”
Mr Meade, the apology added, “is a highly valued asset to Fine Gael. He is a hard working dedicated public representative”.
Mr O’Connor concluded in his apology: “I acknowledge that I have caused Paddy Meade and his family distress. I unreservedly apologise to Paddy Meade and his family and I have made redress to Paddy Meade to his satisfaction.”
Arising from the text, Cllr Meade, Rathbrian Church, Lobinstown, Navan, Co Meath, brought defamation proceedings against Mr O’Connor, Ardamagh, Kilmainhamwood, Kells, Co Meath.
Both men are members of Fine Gael. Mr Meade (27), an architect, was elected to Meath County Council in May 2014 while Mr O'Connor is a farmer and employee of Element Power Ireland Ltd.
The case was listed for hearing today before Mr Justice Colm MacEochaidh and a jury but settled.
Mr Meade, accompanied by family members and supporters including local TD Regina Doherty, was in court to hear the apology read by his counsel Jack Fitzgerald SC, with Eugene Gleeson SC and Miriam Reilly SC, instructed by Dore & Company solicitors.
Mr Justice MacEochaidh agreed to receive the terms of settlement. He also thanked the jury for their service and discharged them from further service for two years.
