Former MEP Clare Daly sues over article about links with Russian spy and Real IRA man
Former MEP Clare Daly has issued legal proceedings against a newspaper publisher over an article linking her to two men – a man found civilly liable for the Omagh bombing and a Lithuanian diplomat found guilty of spying for Russia.
The outspoken politician, who lost her seat in the Dublin constituency in last year's European parliament elections, is suing over a piece in the Sunday Times which alleged she provided Algirdas Paleckis with the email address of dissident republican Liam Campbell.
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The Tánaiste also raised concerns about the inclusion of pure breeding horses on the EU's list of countermeasures. He wrote: "The equine sector provides significant employment in rural areas, with the US by the far the largest export market for Irish thoroughbreds outside the UK. "This trade depends on horses moving in both directions. I would ask that these items be removed from the list - doing so will have a very limited impact on the overall value of the list and would reduce disproportionate impact on Ireland." The Tánaiste concluded by warning about the risk of EU retaliatory measures to Northern Ireland, given its hybrid trade status post-Brexit. "I would also like to highlight the need to minimise unintended consequences on Northern Ireland of the current situation to the extent possible," he wrote. "Considering your deep experience from EU-UK negotiations, and your continuing responsibilities in that relationship, I know you will appreciate that this is a politically sensitive topic and will need careful management." The Government is understood to be relieved that neither pharmaceuticals nor dairy products appear on the list of EU countermeasures. Officials have stressed that while aircraft, spirits, including whiskey, and medical devices are included, the EU's retaliatory measures would be implemented immediately and may not be implemented at all if a deal is reached. While officials have said EU and US teams are making progress, it is understood the final say on whether a trade agreement can avert an escalating trade war will go to President Trump.
