A Clare judge has set aside a judgement of over €14,000 against the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
At Ennis District Court, Judge Patrick Durcan said that a claim by Cork civil engineer, John V Lennon, regarding a rock barrier plan at Doonbeg has no basis in law whatsoever.
He branded it an attempt to attract publicity – something Mr Lennon denied.
The ruling was made following an application by Clare-based lawyers for Mr Trump, Patrick Whyms BL and solicitor, Lorraine Burke to have the judgement set aside.
Judge Durcan said he failed to see how someone of John V Lennon’s ability and experience would not see that his actions were motivated by Mr Trump’s identity.
Lennon told the court he made his claim for the €14,095 as a result of the time and effort he made in objecting to Trump Doonbeg’s planned 200,000 tonne rock barrier last year.
The initial application was withdrawn, and a fresh one is now being considered by the Council, with a decision due in the coming days.
Mr Lennon had also previously held a one-man protest outside Trump Tower in New York with a sign saying ‘No wall in Doonbeg, Ireland’.
Counsel for Mr Trump said he was never served with the claim – and that even if judgement is set aside, it doesn’t prevent Mr Lennon from proceeding with his claim at a later date.
Speaking outside court, Mr Lennon said that was satisfied with the outcome and confident that he would win the overall action.
