Ganley being pursued by Libertas underlings for cash

Today's Irish Independent reports that Libertas European satellites are still demanding to be paid and that their creditors have given up hope of receiving their money. The paper has also picked up on Ganley's return to Twitter which was reported first on this blog on July 4.

Libertas boss under fire over €350,000 unpaid bill

By AINE KERR

Monday July 13 2009

LIBERTAS leader Declan Ganley is under renewed pressure to write a cheque for €350,000 to cover unpaid election bills which creditors in the Netherlands claim he is responsible for.

Eline van den Broek, leader of Libertas in the Netherlands, said some 15 creditors are now "irritated" and "annoyed". One is preparing to start legal proceedings and others may follow, she said.

Of the €350,000 she claims is owed from distributing one million leaflets and running television advertisements, upwards of €20,000 is due to Ms van den Broek herself.

In recent weeks, all creditors were instructed to contact the Libertas office in Ireland and submit their bills with detailed explanations.

"They were all individually accepted -- both by the accountant and Declan. Then they told all the creditors the money would be paid for by the end of June," she said.

But, a spokesman for Libertas last night insisted the "vast majority" of campaign bills had been settled.

"Libertas has being dealing with its very few remaining European campaign related payables in accordance with normal business practice.

Queries

"In some cases, routine queries have been made which had required clarification prior to being brought to closure. We will be making no further comment on this matter," he said.

However, Ms van den Broek said that despite receiving several email assurances the bills would be paid, no money has been forthcoming.

"The creditors have lost faith because they have been in direct contact with Ireland and with Declan Ganley's people who said the bills had been approved and would be paid for," she said.

"I know of at least one who will probably start legal proceedings and more may follow."

But despite her frustration at the failure of the Libertas leader to pay the outstanding bills, Ms van den Broek said she was open to working with him again in the future.

Libertas is said to have spent upwards of €40m on its failed European campaign.

In Ireland alone, the party spent between €600,000 and €700,000 during the 30-day campaign, sources within Libertas have claimed.

Meanwhile, Mr Ganley has prompted speculation he may return to the political stage after re-starting his Libertas twitter.

Sources also confirm the Libertas founder has not ruled out a role in the second Lisbon Treaty referendum campaign.

- AINE KERR