CLAIMS by an expelled RDS member of a vendetta against him were denied by the society's commercial officer in the High Court yesterday. Mr Gerry McAuliffe was replying to allegations by Mr James Yates, an artist, of Cill Cais, Old Bawn, Co Dublin.
The Royal Dublin Society is seeking an order restraining Mr Yates from communicating with staff or entering the society's premises. Mr Yates denies allegations that he intimidated or harassed staff, particularly the RDS exhibition organiser, Ms Olivia O'Reilly.
He has counterclaimed for damages, alleging interference with his rights and privileges as a member. He claims he was slandered, libelled, intimidated and harassed.
Mr McAuliffe spent yesterday in the witness box being cross-examined by Mr Yates, who is conducting his own case.
Mr Yates alleged Mr McAuliffe, together with Ms O'Reilly and others in the society, had carried on a vendetta against him following complaints when exhibiting at shows in 1989. Mr McAuliffe denied the allegations.
Mr McAuliffe said it was reported to him in 1991 that Mr Yates had sent a rose to Ms O'Reilly, who was very concerned.
She had also complained of unwelcome letters and cards from Mr Yates. Mr McAuliffe advised her to go to the Garda.
Mr McAuliffe denied that in a subsequent telephone conversation with Mr Yates he had called him "an English bastard" or that he called him "the creep" or "seedy"
Mr McAuliffe agreed he had been involved in the decision to stop Mr Yates exhibiting at the society's shows. The reason was the problems Mr Yates had created for Ms O'Reilly.
Mr Yates said a society meeting in December 1994 had been a "kangaroo court" designed to degrade and humiliate him. He had done nothing wrong but to complain that his stand had been damaged.
Mr McAuliffe said he completely refuted the allegations.
Mr Yates will open his case today.