Judge refuses Lowry request in defamation case

A judge has refused Independent TD Michael Lowry a declaration that he was defamed by journalist and broadcaster Sam Smyth on TV3’s 'Tonight with Vincent Browne' programme and in a newspaper article.

Lowry, of Holy Cross, Thurles, Co Tipperary, had sought the declaration under the 2009 Defamation Act which allows for a legal short-cut by way of summary judgment on the contention that Smyth had no possible defence to the politician's claims.