Sir, – In his letter to the Editor (August 21st), Denis O'Brien complains that Irish Times columnist Vincent Browne is "chronically repetitive" in his Irish Times criticism of the correspondent himself, Mr O'Brien. Lamentably, it appears that Mr Browne will yet again need to repeat himself in light of Mr O'Brien's evasive and ad hominem epistolary attack on Mr Browne. – Yours, etc,
RYAN FITZPATRICK,
The Diamond,
Belturbet, Co Cavan.
Sir, – Now that Denis O’Brien (Letters, August 21st) has given us some tittle-tattle about Vincent Browne, perhaps he would deign to address the serious points raised in Vincent Browne’s column of August 14th? – Yours, etc,
JOHN HOWARD,
Rowan Park,
Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Sir, – How petty Denis O’Brien’s letter reads (August 21st) and how uneasy it seems lies the head that wears a media mogul crown.
If he is uneasy, and as we know how quickly he resorts to litigation at the merest mention of the 1995 mobile phone licence and his association with Mr Lowry, then this is a good thing. Because I very much doubt at this stage if any action by Government will ever happen in relation to it.
I wrote only last year to Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte TD about my qualms over Mr O’Brien’s takeover of Independent News and Media, and likened it to the worrying situation in England with the Murdoch media empire. Of course, all I got in return was the usual bland assertions one has come to expect from our representatives nowadays.
So, although we all know Mr O’Brien will never be properly questioned about those tribunal findings, I find it reassuring that, despite his great wealth, a mention in Vincent Browne’s column should so infuriate him.
It would appear ironic that he should be looking to muzzle the freedom of the press. He should realise that the tribunal is never going to go away and, if it is not in Mr Browne’s column, there will be other journalists investigating the story for the rest of his life.
Live with it, Mr O’Brien, at least you can do so in the lap of luxury! – Yours, etc,
JIM HARKIN,
Lombard Street,
Portobello,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – Denis O’Brien (August 21st) gives his address as Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2. Does this mean he is now domiciled in Ireland and is liable for any capital gains taxes which may accrue on sale of assets by him in this country in the future? – Yours, etc,
TOM McELLIGOTT,
Tournageehy,
Listowel,
Co Kerry.