A man named Sue

The eagerness with which Denis O’Brien has taken legal actions in recent years shows the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of Ireland’s libel laws

Denis O’Brien leaving the Four Courts last week Picture: Fergal Phillips

Denis O’Brien wields great power, influence and authority. According to Independent News & Media, the newspaper group in which he holds a significant stake, he has financial wealth amounting to a staggering €4.7 billion.

The origins of this wealth can be traced back to two key events - his winning of a mobile phone licence in the 1990s from the Irish government, and the subsequent sale of this business (Esat) to British Telecom ...