In a statement, Independent Newspapers Plc denied allegations made by Mr Vincent Browne on RTE Radio 1's News at One programme yesterday. The statement, which was issued by Matheson, Ormsby, Prentice Solicitors on behalf of Independent Newspapers Plc, its chairman, Dr Tony O'Reilly; and deputy chairman, Mr John Meagher, read:
"Mr John Meagher, chairman of Irish Marketing Surveys and deputy chairman of Independent Newspapers was - as has been confirmed - contacted by Mr Ruairi Quinn to enquire whether Independent Newspapers was conducting a poll on the election for the future leadership of the Labour Party. Mr Meagher did not know whether such a poll was being undertaken. Moreover, Mr Meagher took no action on foot of this telephone call.
"The decision to conduct the poll was made by Mr Vincent Doyle, editor of the Irish Independent, arising from a normal round-table editorial conference. As is normal, Mr Doyle instructed his editorial colleagues and had the necessary arrangements made to conduct the poll.
"No director or executive of Independent Newspapers Plc was involved in any manner in the commissioning of this poll. Mr Meagher did not contact the chairman, Dr A.J.F. O'Reilly, or anybody else, as alleged. The allegation against Dr O'Reilly is totally groundless and highly defamatory, as he had no knowledge of the commissioning of this poll."