As one minister is subjected to “the biggest, worst libel in Irish history”, another has settled a long-running libel action. It has emerged that Martin Cullen, the retiring minister for arts, sport and tourism, has been paid damages and legal costs by RTE over a lewd remark on Liveline in 2004.

The broadcaster confirmed yesterday that it had settled a libel action that Cullen brought arising out of the comment made by a self-styled Progressive Democrat supporter on Joe Duffy’s radio show in December 2004. RTE would not reveal the amount it paid, but it is believed to be less than half the €250,000 received by Monica Leech, the businesswoman who also sued over the Liveline comments.

While Cullen has settled, it is still unclear if Mary Harney, the health minister, will be taking a libel action against Newstalk over comments made by Nell McCafferty, the veteran journalist, on Tom Dunne’s radio show last Thursday…

I never said it wouldn’t happen…