One More Thing:The bitter war of words between Independent News & Media (IN&M) and the Denis O'Brien camp continues to rage.
Lawyers acting for Sir Anthony O'Reilly have written to James Morrissey, a PR adviser to Mr O'Brien, accusing him of defamation for his role in circulating a corporate governance review to the media.
Mr Morrissey is accused by Sir Anthony of leaking the document, which was heavily critical of IN&M, in advance of the media group's annual general meeting last month.
The review was sent to the press on June 11th, two days before IN&M's agm.
It was commissioned by Mr O'Brien and written by Dr Stephen Davis of the Yale School of Management and Davis Global Advisors.
It said IN&M is at risk of being branded a "crony" firm that serves Sir Anthony's interests over those of minority shareholders.
These claims were rejected by IN&M, which stated that it operates to the "highest corporate governance standards".
Strangely, no action is being taken against Mr O'Brien or the report's author. It is understood that Sir Anthony believes the review to be libellous. In addition, the decision to circulate the report so close to the agm has been characterised as calculated and sinister.
Sir Anthony is not seeking financial compensation, but wants a written apology from Mr Morrissey that would be circulated to the people who received the review.
He is also seeking a list of all journalists who were sent the report. Mr Morrissey has been threatened with legal action if he fails to meet these demands.
The PR executive denies the accusations. He argues that he was acting on behalf of Mr O'Brien and that it was a fair analysis and never intended solely for private consumption.
Mr Morrissey, a former journalist and co-founder of the Sunday Business Post, is being represented by William Fry solicitors, while Sir Anthony's case is being handled by Simon McAleese Solicitors. It remains to be seen how far Sir Anthony is willing to push this case.
The O'Brien camp would surely like nothing more than a day in court with Sir Anthony where the accusations of cronyism could be explored in minute detail.
