Independent Newspapers is to appeal to the Supreme Court the libel action brought against it by the former Minister for Social Welfare, Mr Proinsias De Rossa. Last July, a High Court jury awarded Mr De Rossa damages of £300,000 plus costs - the highest award for libel in an Irish court.
The De Rossa action - which involved three High Court hearings - was over an article written in the Sunday Independent by Eamon Dunphy over five years ago. The first case was aborted, the second earlier this year was inconclusive and the third resulted in the award to Mr De Rossa.
A spokesman for Independent Newspapers confirmed the decision and that an appeal was lodged on August 26th.
It is understood the newspaper group is to appeal on a number of grounds, including that the trial judge, Mr Justice Carney, erred in law; that he misdirected the jury; that the damages were excessive, and that the size of the award was so high as to be a restriction or penalty on the freedom of expression of the defendant under Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, to which Ireland is a signatory.