Latest news with #Gorman
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Boston Globe
What is it with the uber-rich and other people's trees?
Advertisement If Fitzgerald were alive today, he might very well write a novel in which an especially entitled rich person cuts down a neighbor's tree to enhance their views. It seems all the rage. In the latest case here in New England, some guy on Nantucket allegedly took a chain saw to 16 of his neighbor's cedar, cherry and cypress trees, some of them a half-century old. In Advertisement The lawsuit claims 'there is an active and ongoing criminal proceeding related to this conduct' by police on Nantucket. That could be a game-changer. Up to this point, prosecutors have been reluctant to file criminal charges when some rich jerk kills or removes a neighbor's trees to enhance the views from their property. Instead, rich people have been allowed to do what they have always done: buy their way out of trouble. It happened last year in Maine, when a wealthy and politically-connected couple from Missouri were able to pay their way out of a jam after Amelia and Arthur Bond III are big cheeses in St. Louis. She was the Three years ago, after secretly poisoning the trees of their neighbor, Lisa Gorman, widow of L.L. Bean chairman Leon Gorman, Amelia Bond approached Mrs. Gorman, expressing deep sympathy about the dying trees, graciously offering to split the cost of taking down the sweeping oak trees that blocked the Bonds' view of the harbor. It somehow slipped her mind to mention she had poisoned them in the first place. Being a saavy Mainer, Mrs. Gorman politely declined the offer and asked her arborist to investigate. Turns out the Bonds had headed to Maine that year with their yachting gear and some Tebuthiuron, a powerful herbicide commonly used on cattle ranches in the Midwest. When there is trouble, the very rich call not the police but their lawyers. Attorneys representing the Bonds and Mrs. Gorman began a series of negotiations which ended with the Bonds accepting responsibility for poisoning the trees. Advertisement In the end, Officials in the town of Camden didn't think that was enough. Last year, they asked Knox County District Attorney Natasha Irving and Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey to pursue criminal charges. But no prosecutions have been forthcoming. Irving told me that, given the limited resources in her office, she couldn't in good conscience launch a criminal case. She said any admissions the Bonds made in civil settlement agreements with Gorman, the town and state would not be admissible in a criminal case. She concluded the only charge she might feasibly pursue was criminal mischief, a misdemeanor that carries a $250 fine. Expending that kind of taxpayer money to possibly get a rich couple to pay a pittance just wasn't worth it, she said. A Still, as Nantucket police continue their investigation, there is the example of Harvey Updyke to consider. Advertisement So, in 2010, when Auburn defeated his beloved Crimson Tide in their annual Iron Bowl game, Harvey Updyke was understandably upset. He decided to avenge that loss by But, unlike the Bonds, Harvey Updyke wasn't allowed to buy his way out of trouble. He couldn't have afforded to, anyway. As a retired state trooper, he wasn't exactly rolling in that kind of dough. Updyke didn't help his case by going on a call-in radio show and admitting to poisoning the trees, ending his call with, 'Roll, damn Tide.' He eventually pleaded guilty in 2013 to poisoning the trees, This leads to two observations with which F. Scott Fitzgerald would undoubtedly agree: it is better to be rich than nice, and they take their football very, very seriously in Alabama. Kevin Cullen is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at
The Journal
7 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
EU unveils €2 trillion budget but Irish farmers say cuts to support payments are ‘hammer blow'
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION has proposed €2 trillion budget focused on tackling overseas competition and Russian aggression at Europe's borders – at the risk of a new showdown with farmers. Presenting the €2 trillion budget blueprint for 2028-2034 to reporters in Brussels, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said it 'will be the most ambitious ever proposed'. The plans seek to bolster Europe's security and ramp up its competitiveness, while paying off debts from a massive Covid-era loan as of 2028 – against a backdrop of soaring trade tensions with the bloc's biggest commercial partner, the United States. The European Commission put €451 billion on the table under a broad 'competitiveness' tag that encompasses defence and space. The budget plan earmarks up to €86 billion for the reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine – as well as substantial new 'flexibility' funds kept available in event of crises. But Brussels came under heavy criticism by EU lawmakers who accused it of not leaving sufficient funds for priorities including climate adaptation and the agriculture subsidies that currently make up the biggest share of the EU's budget. Budget commissioner Piotr Serafin said under the commission's plans, €300 billion would remain ring-fenced to support farmers. However, this is a 22% reduction when compared to the €387 billion of support payments under the current seven-year budget. CAP The European Commission says the difference reflects an overhaul of the massive subsidies known as the common agricultural policy (CAP) - with some funding moved to other budget columns. But the future of the CAP is headed for a fight, with farmers warning against cuts to their slice of the EU pie – and marching today in Brussels to show their resolve. Hundreds of European farmers joined a protest outside the commission building in Brussels organised by a pan-European agriculture lobby group, Copa-Cogeca. The group described it as a 'Black Wednesday' for farmers, accusing Brussels of having 'effectively decided to dismantle the 'common' nature of the CAP through concealed budget cuts'. The warning raised the spectre of another confrontation after last year's protests across Europe by farmers upset at cheap imports, low margins and the burden of environmental rules. 'Lead to food price inflation' Speaking from Brussels, Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman described the proposals as a 'hammer blow' for the sector. 'The only definitive figure for farming supports is 20% lower than the current budget,' said Gorman. He said the Commission is 'more interested in finding ways to cut payments to individual farmers rather than support them'. Gorman also warned that cutting CAP funding will 'reduce food production and lead to food price inflation'. Advertisement He called on the Irish government to secure the 'maximum funding for Irish farmers to encourage the next generation to consider farming as a career'. 'Complex' Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon described the proposals as 'complex' and remarked that the 'major changes' will be studied in detail to 'better understand the impact on Ireland'. Detailed legislative proposals are expected to be published tomorrow. He added that these proposals will form a 'key focus' when Ireland assumed the EU presidency next year. Minister Heydon will host the first meeting of Ireland's CAP Consultative Committee tomorrow on the proposals. Heydon said this Committee will play a 'crucial role in ensuring that the CAP reform process is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of various stakeholders within the agricultural and rural community.' Meanwhile, Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary remarked that CAP 'critically supports the economic, social and environmental performance of rural Ireland'. He added that its development post-2027 is a 'matter of significant importance for my department' and that he will engage closely with colleagues both in Ireland and the European Parliament to 'ensure rural Ireland is kept front and centre in all negotiations'. Elsewhere, MEP Maria Walsh said the proposed changes would 'harm our farmers and the development of rural Ireland'. 'The CAP is a lifeline to farmers across Ireland and the EU, yet this fact has been ignored by Commissioner for Budget Piotr Serafin,' said Walsh. She added that the 'fight is far from over' and that the 'real battle will play out within the Parliament's Agriculture Committee and the EU Council over the coming months.' 'Crucially, the final negotiations will take place during the Irish Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2026 meaning that Irish Ministers and MEPs will play a leading role in defining the final structure of the CAP,' said Walsh. Battle lines drawn The announcement sets the stage for two years of fraught negotiations between the European Parliament and 27 member states. Already stretched thin, some states are unwilling to contribute more to the common pot. Unlike in the previous budget, the EU has debts due from the Covid pandemic, when states teamed up to borrow €800 billion to support the bloc's economy. These are estimated to cost €25-30 billion a year from 2028. The previous 2021-2027 budget was worth around €1.2 trillion and made up from national contributions and money collected by the EU such as customs duties. National contributions will grow slightly, from 1.13% of member states' gross national income to 1.15%, plus 0.11% devoted to repaying the Covid loan. The commission will also seek to raise about €58 billion a year collecting money directly through five instruments, including its carbon border tax and a levy on electronic waste. -With additional reporting from © AFP 2025 Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Dublin restaurant Fade Street Social owes Revenue €1.7m and is 'unable to pay debts'
TOP CHEF DYLAN McGrath's Prime Steak Restaurant, which trades as Fade Street Social, owes Revenue €1.7m 'and maybe more' and is unable to pay its debts, Judge John O'Connor has heard in the Circuit Civil Court. Judge O'Connor, who appointed Dessie Morrow of Azets Ireland as examiner of the company's affairs, was told that Morrow had undertaken to provide a special report to Revenue in relation to inter-company loans of almost €4.5 million. Barrister Ross Gorman said the company's board of directors had decided on 26 June to seek the protection of the court from its creditors by the appointment of an examiner. Gorman, who appeared with BHSM Solicitors for the company, told Judge O'Connor that McGrath, of Mespil Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 and Vincent Melinn of Howth Lodge, Howth Road, Co Dublin, own 50% of the company's share capital. He said the company has 86 employees whose jobs could be saved under a scheme of arrangement with its creditors and under such a scheme their jobs could be saved and creditors may be able to trade profitably with the company into the future. Barrister Sally O'Neill, for Revenue, raised the matter of inter-company loans between four connected restaurants, one of which closed after Covid-19 and two of which eventually failed. Gary McCarthy SC, counsel for the examiner, told the court that since the appointment of an interim examiner had been advertised, there had been nine expressions of interest by independent people for the purpose of making an investment. Advertisement Gorman said the examiner believed the company had a reasonable prospect of survival under a scheme of arrangement with all interested parties involved. He said the company operates Fade Street Social, a very popular destination bar/restaurant in Fade Street, Dublin 2. He told the court the premises covered 8,000 square feet and was set over three floors with different bars and restaurants on each level with two distinct restaurants, a cocktail bar, a rooftop terrace and a ground level terrace. Counsel said the cost of living crisis had made customers more price sensitive and the number of patrons in the city centre had decreased and between 2023 and 2024 restaurants throughout Dublin and Ireland had experienced a 15% decline in sales. He said the company had faced six main sources of difficulties – increasing labour costs; rising supply costs; amendment of the VAT rate from 9% to 13.5%; the Covid-19 pandemic; increased rental obligations and related party loan losses. Gorman said the company was very significantly indebted to the Revenue Commissioners including VAT, PAYE and PRSI. 'The directors acknowledge that the company's failure to pay tax was completely unacceptable and they unreservedly apologise for that,' the directors stated in a petition for the appointment of an examiner. 'While the directors accept the company is currently insolvent they believe it has a reasonable prospect of survival as suggested by an independent expert.' Judge O'Connor granted protection of the court to the company and appointed Morrow as examiner, giving him full authority to carry out his duties in that role. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
TV chef's top Dublin restaurant owes Revenue €1.7m ‘& maybe more' in ‘can't pay debts' crisis amid plot to save 86 jobs
TOP chef Dylan McGrath's restaurant business owes Revenue at least €1.7million. A An examiner has been appointed amid the debt crisis. Judge John O'Connor, who appointed Dessie Morrow of Azets Barrister Ross Gorman said the company's board of directors had decided on June 26 to seek the protection of the court from its creditors by the appointment of an examiner. Mr Gorman, who appeared with BHSM Solicitors for the company, told Judge O'Connor that McGrath, of Mespil Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, and Vincent Melinn, of Howth Lodge, Howth Road, Co Read more in News He said the company has 86 employees whose jobs could be saved under a scheme of arrangement with its creditors and under such a scheme creditors may be able to trade profitably with the company into the future. Barrister Sally O'Neill, for Revenue, raised the matter of inter-company loans between four connected restaurants; one of which closed after Mr Gorman said the examiner believed the company had a reasonable prospect of survival under a scheme of arrangement with all interested parties involved. He said the company operates Fade Street Social, a very popular destination bar/restaurant in Fade Street, Dublin 2. Most read in the Irish Sun He said the company had faced six main sources of difficulties: increasing labour costs; rising supply costs; amendment of the VAT rate from nine per cent to 13.5 per cent; the Covid-19 pandemic; increased rental obligations; and related party loan losses. Mr Gorman said the company was very significantly indebted to the Revenue Commissioners, including VAT, PAYE and PRSI. 'COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE' The directors stated in a petition for the appointment of an examiner: 'The directors acknowledge that the company's failure to pay tax was completely unacceptable and they unreservedly apologise for that." Judge O'Connor granted protection of the court to the company and appointed Mr Morrow as examiner giving him full authority to carry out his duties in that role. 1 Repro Free: 21/10/2012 Dylan McGrath, pictured with former MasterChef contestant and now employee Christine O'Sullivan at his new venture, Fade Street Social, which will officially open to the public on Thursday, 25th October 2012. The project will house two restaurants under one roof, The Gastro Bar which will serve tapas sized dishes and The Restaurant which will open in November serving traditional Irish dishes, as well as a Wintergarden. For bookings call (01) 6040066, . Picture Andres Poveda Credit: No Fee
RTÉ News
10-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Dylan McGrath's Fade Street Social owes Revenue €1.7m
Top chef Dylan McGrath's Prime Steak Restaurant which trades as Fade Street Social owes Revenue €1.7 million "and maybe more" and is unable to pay its debts, the Circuit Civil Court has heard. Judge O'Connor, who appointed Dessie Morrow of Azets Ireland as examiner of the company's affairs, was also told that Mr Morrow had undertaken to provide a special report to Revenue in relation to inter-company loans of almost €4.5 million. Barrister Ross Gorman said the company's board of directors had decided on 26 June to seek the protection of the court from its creditors by the appointment of an examiner. Mr Gorman, who appeared with BHSM Solicitors for the company, told Judge O'Connor that McGrath, of Mespil Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 and Vincent Melinn of Howth Road, Dublin, own 50% of the company's share capital. He said the company has 86 employees whose jobs could be saved under a scheme of arrangement with its creditors and under such a scheme their jobs could be saved and creditors may be able to trade profitably with the company into the future. Barrister Sally O'Neill, for Revenue, raised the matter of inter-company loans between four connected restaurants one of which closed after Covid and two others eventually failed. Gary McCarthy SC, counsel for the examiner, told the court that since the appointment of an interim examiner had been advertised there had been nine expressions of interest by independent people for the purpose of making an investment. Examiner believed company had prospect of survival Mr Gorman said the examiner believed the company had a reasonable prospect of survival under a scheme of arrangement with all interested parties involved. He said the company operates Fade Street Social, a very popular destination bar/restaurant on Fade Street, Dublin 2. He told the court the premises covered 8,000 square feet and was set over three floors with different bars and restaurants on each level with two distinct restaurants, a cocktail bar, a rooftop terrace and a ground level terrace. Counsel said the cost of living crisis had made customers more price sensitive and the number of patrons in the city centre had decreased and between 2023 and 2024 restaurants throughout Dublin and Ireland had experienced a 15% decline in sales. He said the company had faced six main sources of difficulties – increasing labour costs; rising supply costs; amendment of the VAT rate from nine per cent to 13.%; the Covid-19 pandemic; increased rental obligations and related party loan losses. Mr Gorman said the company was very significantly indebted to the Revenue Commissioners including VAT, PAYE and PRSI. "The directors acknowledge that the company's failure to pay tax was completely unacceptable and they unreservedly apologise for that," the directors stated in a petition for the appointment of an examiner. "While the directors accept the company is currently insolvent they believe it has a reasonable prospect of survival as suggested by an independent expert." Judge O'Connor granted protection of the court to the company and appointed Mr Morrow as examiner giving him full authority to carry out his duties in that role.
