David Norris (Independent)

I am not convinced that people should harvest damages in this absurd way. If a case is closed in respect of one organ of publication which may assume the matter has ended, it would not be fair that someone should be able to accuse it of doing the same again the minute the matter is closed. People should not make a profession out of libel. I am all on the side of the small person but there should not be harvesting of damages if there is not a malign intent.

I do not always believe that one is not aware of it after the libel action and someone rings up out of the blue and says that two and a half years ago on Tuesday, 14 November so-and-so said something on television. It is pure hogwash from people who are in it to milk the system. On this occasion I am inclined to be against the plaintiff.