Food critic in Norris libel case seeks to defend claims

A judge is to decide whether to grant food critic Helen Lucy Burke disclosure of documents which she says will support her claims that Senator David Norris had an “ambivalent” attitude towards underage sex.

Michael McDowell, counsel for Mr Norris, said in the High Court yesterday the claims in the discovery application were “far-fetched” and “outrageous.” Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns will rule on the application at a later date.

Mr Norris is suing Ms Burke and RTÉ Commercial Enterprises alleging libel over views aired on a Liveline programme months before the election.