THE broadcaster and journalist Marian Finucane, yesterday settled her High Court libel action against MGN Ltd, publishers of the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People.
Her counsel, Mr Garrett Cooney SC, in his opening address to Mr Justice Kinlen and a jury said the two newspapers effectively alleged she was a "get rich quick" merchant.
Later, Mr Cooney said agreement had been reached between the parties. The action had been settled, including a term of confidentiality. He asked that the proceedings against both newspapers be struck out.
Mr Cooney said the two news papers published articles on May 9th, 1993, which had the potential to damage Ms Finucane in her profession and reputation.
Mr Cooney said Ms Finucane had her own radio programme,
Liveline, and was also presenter of the RTE Crimeline programme. She had an exceptionally high profile, and it was very important to her that her reputation for integrity and honesty should not be damaged or attacked as it was in these newspapers.
Mr Cooney said that in 1992 Irish Life decided to sell Mespil Flats, 12 blocks of flats near Leeson Street bridge in Dublin. They were sold as one going concern for £8.5 million.
Ms Finucane agreed to buy one flat for £44,000 which was occupied by Mr Earnaid de Blaigh, a barrister in his 60s. He had been a tenant for a considerable number of years.
Ms Finucane's husband, Mr John Clarke, went to see Mr de Blaigh, who was perfectly happy to continue as the tenant, and this suited Ms Finucane and Mr Clarke. In January 1993 the flat was conveyed to Ms Finucane and her husband.
Mr Cooney said the two newspapers had carried articles about the sale of these flats which referred to Ms Finucane in disgraceful terms.