The Tanaiste has “unequivocally” rejected defamation claims made by the Village journal editor and says he'll defend them “absolutely”.
Defamation proceedings have been issued towards Leo Varadkar over materials printed within the Sunday Instances in August.
The authorized continuing was launched by Michael Smith within the Excessive Courtroom on Friday.
Belfast regulation agency KRW Legislation LLP confirmed it's appearing for “Michael Smith in relation to defamatory statements made by Mr Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste and Minister for Commerce and Employment, contained throughout the printed print and on-line editions of the Sunday Instances newspaper dated 21 August 2022”.
In a press release the agency stated a Excessive Courtroom plenary summons was issued towards Mr Varadkar.
“As proceedings have now issued it might be inappropriate to remark any additional aside from to say that the case is taken with a view to defend our consumer’s good identify and repute.”
An announcement on behalf of Mr Varadkar stated: “The Tanaiste rejects these claims unequivocally.”
A spokesman stated Mr Smith has been an “opponent” of the Tanaiste for years, including: “That is simply the newest instalment.
“The Tanaiste’s authorized recommendation is that the claims are baseless. They are going to be absolutely defended.”