DEFENCE Minister Willie O’Dea has apologised to Sinn Féin Councillor Maurice Quinlivan for making false and defamatory comments about him in an interview with a local newspaper last March.
The apology was read to the High Court and Mr O’Dea said the article contained implications which reflected on the personal conduct and character of Mr Quinlivan.
Mr Quinlivan took a defamation action against Mr O’Dea after the article appeared in the Limerick Chronicle on March 10.
Mr O’Dea said he accepted all such implications and statements were false and defamatory of Cllr Quinlivan” and that he “withdraws them in their entirety”.
He apologised to Mr Quinlivan both for making them and for denying having made them.
Mr O’Dea said that he accepted Councillor Quinlivan was a person of the highest integrity.
The Minister paid damages and costs to Mr Quinlivan who brought the proceedings in defence of his reputation.
