The husband of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has received an apology in the High Court from author and former TD Shane Ross and his publisher over Mr Ross's biography of Ms McDonald.
Martin Lanigan had sued Mr Ross and publishers Atlantic Books over references to him in Mr Ross’s book, 'Mary-Lou McDonald: a Republican Riddle’, published in October 2022.
Mr Lanigan’s action for defamation and breach of privacy was due to begin in the High Court today and a jury of five women and seven men was sworn to hear the defamation case.
But this afternoon, the court was told the matter was settled and that an apology would be read on behalf of the defendants.
Senior Counsel Paul O’Higgins on behalf of Mr Ross and Atlantic Books told the court that Mr Lanigan’s complaint was that the book implied he was a member of the IRA and/or had been in receipt of illicit funds.
Mr O’Higgins said Mr Ross and his publisher confirmed they never intended to make any such suggestion, and they very much regretted it if members of the public understood the book to do so.
He said they were happy to acknowledge that Mr Lanigan was above suspicion in relation to any impropriety and were pleased to make sure this was made publicly clear and unambiguous.
The matter was struck out by Mr Justice Tony O’Connor who praised the parties for reaching a settlement.
The case had been expected to last around five days.
The jury panel had been told that they were to hear evidence from Mr Lanigan and Mr Ross as well as a mortgage broker, a quantity surveyor and journalist, Sam Smyth.
Afterwards, Mr Lanigan said he was happy with his apology but would not comment on whether he had received any money as part of the settlement.
