Irish presidential election candidate Humphreys faces lawsuit from fellow politician
An Irish presidential election candidate, Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael, faces a lawsuit from TD Paul Murphy following remarks made during a campaign debate. Murphy has initiated defamation proceedings against Humphreys over comments regarding his involvement in a protest more than ten years ago.
Details of the Lawsuit
The legal action stems from a conversation on the Irish broadcaster RTÉ where Humphreys expressed her disappointment about being sued. She emphasized her commitment to her campaign amidst the unfolding legal battle.
Background of the Statements
Murphy, a member of the People Before Profit party, sent a solicitor’s letter to Humphreys. This was triggered by her references to his participation in an anti-water charge protest in Jobstown, Tallaght, County Dublin, held in November 2014.
- Murphy was one of six men charged with the false imprisonment of the then Tánaiste, Joan Burton, during the protest.
- All six were acquitted of the charges by a jury in 2017.
Reactions from Humphreys
Humphreys’ team communicated her feelings, stating, “I’m disappointed that a leading member of Catherine Connolly’s campaign team has decided to take legal proceedings against me.” She accused the “hard left” of trying to suppress dissent by resorting to legal actions.
Political Context
Humphreys is competing in the presidential election against independent candidate Catherine Connolly, who has garnered support from various left-leaning parties, including:
- Sinn Féin
- Labour
- People Before Profit
- Social Democrats
Another candidate, Jim Gavin from Fianna Fáil, withdrew from the race earlier this month.
Election Timeline
The presidential election is scheduled for Friday, 24 October. As campaigns intensify, the legal dispute adds another layer of complexity to the electoral process.
