Magazine editor launches defamation proceedings against Tánaiste Leo Varadkar

Michael Smith, editor of Village Magazine, is alleging that he was defamed in an article published in the Sunday Times last August, it is understood.

Defamation proceedings have been launched in the High Court against the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. File picture

Defamation proceedings have been launched in the High Court against Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

The proceeding was lodged last Friday by Michael Smith, editor of Village Magazine. 

Mr Smith is alleging that he was defamed in an article published in the Sunday Times last August, it is understood.

Mr Smith is being represented by Belfast-based KRW Law.

A spokesman for Mr Varadkar said: "The Tanaiste rejects these claims unequivocally. Mr Smith is an opponent of the Tánaiste and has been heaping opprobrium on him for years since outing him in his magazine in 2014. This is just the latest installment.

"The Tánaiste’s legal advice is that the claims are baseless. They will be fully defended."