Lawlor crash woman considers taking libel action
Julie Kushnir, a 32-year-old legal assistant and translator based in Prague, has engaged an Irish legal firm to act on her behalf as a result of the widespread publicity surrounding the death of the former TD in Moscow at the weekend. However, plans by Ms Kushnir’s lawyers to release a statement yesterday were deferred until next week.
A spokesperson for the Galway legal firm of Brian Lynch & Associates said Ms Kushnir was not in a position to react to media commentary about her business association with Mr Lawlor.
“She is still terribly traumatised by this tragic case. A decision was taken to defer issuing a statement until next week in order to give her the necessary time and space to recover from her ordeal,” said solicitor Ian Simon. “One mustn’t forget that two people died in the car in which she was travelling.” However, he declined to comment on the possibility that Ms Kushnir will take a legal action against several Sunday newspapers over their reports of the accident.
It remains uncertain why Ms Kushnir withdrew instructions from another legal firm based in Dublin earlier in the week before engaging Mr Simon.
Last night, legal sources said Ms Kushnir could have a good basis for suing the relevant newspapers for damage.
“The question of circulation could prove crucial in any legal action. Some of the newspapers could be in difficulty if they had also published their printed reports on the internet,” said a barrister.
It is understood Ms Kushnir will consult with members of the Lawlor family before issuing any public statement.
Meanwhile, Mr Lawlor’s eldest son, Niall, arrived back in Dublin Airport early yesterday morning with his father’s coffin on a flight from Moscow. The former TD will be buried today at Esker Cemetery in Lucan following Requiem Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Esker at midday.
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