TALKS HAVE broken down between Christian and Simon Stokes and the new owners of the Residence private members’ club in Dublin over the level of payment due to the pair following the termination of their employment last week.

Residence is now owned by a company called Molana Ltd, which took the club out of receivership and is controlled by businesswoman Olivia Gaynor Long.

The Stokes brothers, who founded the club in 2008, signed 12-month contracts with the new owners in July.

This was to help provide a level of continuity for members of the exclusive club on St Stephen’s Green.

But Ms Gaynor Long decided recently to change the management structure and the Stokes brothers were told last week that their contracts were being terminated.

It is understood they are seeking to have their contracts paid up in full.

Informed sources have indicated the Stokes are seeking payments of more than €100,000 each.

The new owners are believed to have offered €55,000 to the duo to share.

Talks broke down this week. It is not clear if the Stokes brothers will now pursue legal action on the matter.

Both sides declined to comment yesterday.

Earlier this week, Ms Gaynor Long told members that Séamus Dooley had been appointed as general manager of Residence, while Marie Chawke would become its head of business development.

Ms Chawke will combine this role with that of general manager at the five-star Aghadoe Heights hotel in Kerry.

Ms Gaynor Long added: “I also want to put on record our gratitude to both Simon and Christian Stokes, who are no longer part of the Residence team going forward.

“We wish them every success in the future.”