Comedian defends case against him by Norris

Comedian Al Porter has entered a full defence in a defamation action taken against him by Senator David Norris, the High Court was told yesterday.

The Independent senator is suing Porter, 22, also known as Alan Kavanagh, and RTÉ, over “a joke” the comedian did about him on RTÉ Two’s New Comedy Awards Show two years ago.

Yesterday, barrister for Mr Norris, Peter McKenna, told the court that since seeking summary judgment against Mr Kavanagh in default of entering a defence, a defence had been entered last month and he was now seeking only an order for costs on behalf of his client.

Mr Justice Donald Binchy heard that Mr Norris’ solicitor, Jeanne Boyle, had sent Mr Kavanagh several warning letters stating his client would seek summary judgment against him if no defence was entered.

Barrister Shane Geraghty, counsel for Mr Kavanagh, said the delay in entering the defence was because his client was an emerging comedian who had been out of the country.

Judge Binchy said Mr Norris was entitled to the costs of his application, but he put a stay on them pending the outcome of the overall legal action.