Mary Harney reportedly secures €450k settlement with Newstalk

The former Tanaiste had taken a defamation case against radio station over comments made on show.

THE FORMER TANAISTE and Minister for Health Mary Harney is reported to have settled her defamation case with Newstalk radio.

The Phoenix magazine, due out in newsagents’ tomorrow, carries a story claiming that Harney secured a €450,000 payout from the Denis O’Brien-owned station over comments made about her by guest Nell McCafferty on the Tom Dunne Show.

Paddy Prendiville, editor of the Phoenix, told RTE’s News at One that the comments had “resulted immediately” in Harney taking legal action against Newstalk. However, a potential High Court action has been avoided by the settlement.

Calls to Newstalk management and Mary Harney’s legal team by TheJournal.ie were not returned this afternoon.

- Additional reporting by Gavan Reilly.

The front cover of tomorrow’s Phoenix magazine via @thephoenixmag

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More