‘Ming’ Flanagan apologises in court for Facebook post

Independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan has apologised in court to a Fianna Fáil politician for comments he posted on his Facebook page on the morning of the October 2014 Roscommon-South Leitrim byelection.

A defamation action taken by Cllr Ivan Connaughton against Mr Flanagan was settled on Friday morning at Roscommon Circuit Court.

In an apology read to the court, Mr Flanagan said that, on October 10th, 2014, he had posted comments on his Facebook page referring to remarks made by Mr Connaughton in an article in the Roscommon Herald on February 2nd, 2011 under the headline "the gloves are off".

“In hindsight Mr Flanagan accepts that he misinterpreted the comments made by Mr Connaughton and he is happy to correct the record in this regard,” Judge Doirbhile Flanagan heard.

“Mr Flanagan apologises to Mr Connaughton for any hurt caused,” the apology, read on Mr Flanagan’s behalf, continued.

Cllr Connaughton topped the poll in the byelection, but the seat was ultimately taken by Independent candidate Michael Fitzmaurice, who had been endorsed by Mr Flanagan. The byelection was held following Mr Flanagan’s election to the European parliament.

Both Mr Flanagan and Mr Connaughton were at Roscommon Courthouse for Friday’s hearing which had been expected to continue all day.

At the outset, counsel for both men requested an adjournment to allow talks to take place and, after almost three hours, Judge Flanagan heard a settlement had been agreed.

She adjourned the case until the March sittings of the court for settlement and costs. The details of the settlement were not disclosed to the court.

Speaking after the case, Cllr Connaughton said he was very pleased with outcome. The Fianna Fáil councillor said he had no option but to take case, but he was delighted with the apology and the terms of the settlement.

“I did not take this case for financial gain,” said the Fianna Fáil member of Roscommon County council. “I wanted to clear my name and now I just want to move on.”

The Athleague-based auctioneer. said he felt he had no choice but to take the case because of the serious nature of the comments made by the MEP. “I had no option but I am delighted that is over,” he said.