The publication of a book on the National Irish Bank revelations by the two RTE reporters who broke the story, George Lee and Charlie Bird, has been held up at the insistence of RTE's director general, Mr Bob Collins. The book, which is believed to bring together all the strands of the subject, has been completed and was to be published by Blackwater Press in November in time for the Christmas market.
Earlier this year Mr Lee and Mr Bird reported that the bank had sold off-shore bonds which in some instances were used to avoid tax. Subsequently they revealed that some bank customers were overcharged by loading interest rates and fees. A High Court inspector was appointed to look into the matter.
Yesterday RTE's director of news, Mr Ed Mulhall, said discussions were taking place between RTE's director of legal affairs and the two reporters to see how the book would affect two legal cases. One is being taken by NIB and another by Ms Beverly Cooper-Flynn TD, a former employee of the bank.