Mary Lou McDonald's husband settles defamation case against Shane Ross
A defamation case between Martin Lanigan, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald’s husband, and former TD Shane Ross was settled on Wednesday.
Mr Lanigan has been married to the Sinn Féin leader since 1996, with the couple having met in 1990.
The couple share two children together — Gearoid and Iseult.
Martin Lanigan, husband of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, who settled a legal action against author Shane Ross and publisher Atlantic Books. Pic: Collins Courts
The defamation trial was set to begin on Wednesday, following Mr Lanigan’s claim he was defamed by content published in Mr Ross’s 2002 biography of Ms McDonald.
Atlantic Books were the publishers of the book, Mary Lou McDonald: A Republican Riddle.
Mr Lanigan had issued a complaint that the book centred around his wife had made an implication he was a member of the IRA, and had been in receipt of illicit funds.
Shane Ross leaving court, where Martin Lanigan, husband of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, settled a legal action against him. Pic: Collins Courts
A jury of six men and six women had been sworn in for the trial, which was set to get underway on Wednesday under Mr Justice Tony O’Connor.
The trial was scheduled to last five days with the jury told they would hear from several witnesses including Mr Lanigan, Mr Ross, a quantity surveyor, a mortgage broker as well as veteran journalist Sam Smyth.
Ultimately, the case was settled before the trial began with lawyers for both parties coming to an arrangement.
Lawyers for Mr Ross and Atlantic Books were provided, with Paul O’Higgins SC reading: ‘Atlantic Books and Shane Ross confirm that it was never intended to make any such allegation or suggestion, and that if members of the public understood the publication to do so, they very much regret this.
‘Atlantic Books and Shane Ross are happy to acknowledge that Martin Lanigan is above suspicion in respect of any impropriety, and are pleased to ensure that this is made publicly clear and unambiguous.
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