In our edition of 14 September 2008, we published false accusations against the author Roddy Doyle in relation to the new version of Playboy of the Western World of which Mr Doyle is co-author. We unreservedly withdraw these accusations and wish to apologise to Mr Doyle for having published them and for the unfair distress which he has been caused.

We apologise also to Mr Doyle for the suggestion in the article that he has sought recognition and credit over and above that of his co-authorship of the play. We accept that Mr Doyle has never sought to exercise rights in relation to the play other than those which are lawfully his and regret that contrary inference in our article.