Top stories in the papers this week 19 – 25 March 2011
High Court offers window into world of Dunnes Stores; No evidence of loss from ‘fake’ Tribune, court told; Calls for radical overhaul of rent reviews
Print24 March 2011
1. High Court offers window into world of Dunnes Stores
Dunnes Stores head of finance Larry Howard has begun an action in the High Court against his employers. The Irish Times reports Howard claims to have been excluded from his duties for the past three months and wants the protection of the High Court against being dismissed or continually excluded. He alleges CEO Margaret Heffernan referred to him and another senior executive, by saying that she “either wanted f*cking men or mice”.
2. No evidence of damage, prejudice or loss from ‘fake’ Tribune, court told
The Irish Mail on Sunday (IMOS) has claimed there is no evidence of any damage, loss or prejudice resulting from its publication of an alleged "fake" copy of the Sunday Tribune last month, just days after the ‘Tribune’ entered receivership. The Irish Examiner reports IMOS’ counsel told the Commercial Court that the prosecution for receiver Jim Luby had only provided "bold assertions" that damage was suffered.
3. Calls for radical overhaul of rent reviews
Retail Excellence Ireland has argued that a radical overhaul of the arbitration system for commercial rents is urgently needed, after tenants received rent increases of over 50% in the Dundrum Shopping Centre in Dublin. The Irish Examiner reports the lobby group’s chief executive, David Fitzsimons, said it was “an absolute disgrace” that this had occurred during “the 36th month of consecutive decline” within retail.
4. Shoppers driven out of town by parking policy
Northern Ireland independent retailers group, NIIRTA, is concerned at new proposals to introduce additional car parking charges for 30 towns across Northern Ireland. The Department of Regional Development’s plans will also carry the threat of a £90 fine for contravening the restrictions. According to NIIRTA’s Glyn Roberts, writing in the Belfast Telegraph, this will increase a growing trend for out-of-town supermarkets.
5. Advert agency moves against Just Mobile in fees dispute
Advertising agency Owens DDB issued a petition for the winding up of mobile operator Just Mobile at the weekend. This was understood to proceed from non-payment of fees for its role in marketing the Just Mobile launch five months ago. However the Irish Times reports a spokesman for the company whose phones are available through Spar and Mace stores said “the matter has been resolved.”
Also:
Lidl may bid for Total Fitness sites (Irish Times)
Spotlight on food producers at the IFWG Food Awards 2011 (Irish Examiner)
Kylemore bakery records €1.4m in losses (Irish Times)
Retailers face rent hikes of €100,000 (Irish Independent)
Sainsbury’s reveals slowdown in sales growth
Restrained reaction to budget in North (Irish Times)
Waitrose customers hit out at new website (Guardian)
Rejection becomes elation for cookie company (Irish Examiner)
Landlords losing – and all we hear is deathly silence (Irish Times)
Osborne offers some relief for taxpayers (Irish Times)
UK retail sales slump in February (Guardian)
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