Seanad debates

Wednesday, 10 December 2003

Report on Dublin and Monaghan Bombings: Motion. - Defamation: Statements.

 

I accept there are matters of public interest and they should be ventilated. It is appropriate that this happens. We are all relatively tough and seasoned in these matters and most of us are prepared to take a reasonable level of criticism on the jaw. What constitutes a public figure? Is a public figure just a politician? Is it permissible to have a lower standard of proof against politicians alone or lawyers, doctors or judges? What happens if somebody says something about a judge? There are complications there, but I had better not dwell on that area. I have just realised I should avoid that one, but I look forward to returning to it at a subsequent date.

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