Court told farmer denies lying
The Beverly Cooper-Flynn libel trial has heard that retired Co Meath farmer James Howard gave a second interview to RTE to dispute allegations that they lied about CMI investment schemes.
The High Court heard that the Mayo TD denied ever dealing with Mr Howard and called on RTE to correct the record.
Ms Cooper -Flynn is suing RTE and James Howard for libel following the broadcast in June 1998.
Charlie Bird told the court that James Howard had initially given an interview for which his identity was concealed.
Following the broadcast of the allegations, Beverly Cooper-Flynn issued a statement saying she never did business with Mr Howard.
She called on RTE to publish the statement and give the correction equal prominence.
Mr Bird contacted subsequently contacted James Howard at his home in Drogheda and after much discussion, the retired farmer agreed to talk to RTE face to camera.
Mr Howard and his daughter Marina told Mr Bird that they were 100% sure that the person they dealt with in 1993 was Beverly Flynn.
Mr Howard said he gave the second interview to show he was not telling lies.
