High Court told of "trial by television"
The High Court has been told that a broadcast by RTE claiming that Beverly Cooper Flynn TD encouraged people to invest money and avoid paying tax amounted to "trial by television".
The Fianna Fail TD is suing RTE for defamation, arising out of an investigation into investment schemes operated by National Irish Bank.
Garreth Cooney, senior counsel for Deputy Cooper Flynn, told the packed Court 4 that RTE damaged the reputation of his client in the summer of 1998.
He said reporter Charlie Bird drove to the Slieve Russell Hotel in Co Cavan and delivered a letter to a member of staff.
This was passed on to Miss Cooper Flynn. The letter contained allegations and gave Deputy Cooper Flynn 48 hours to reply to the points in it.
However, RTE broadcast it's expose within the 48 hours and did not give Miss Cooper Flynn the chance to reply.
An interview with a retired farmer in Drogheda was included in the broadcast. Beverly Cooper Flynn denies selling products that encouraged people to avoid paying tax.
The case is expected to last for at least two weeks.
