Paul Murphy threatens legal action over Heather Humphreys' 'grossly defamatory' remarks 

The People Before Profit TD has formally sent a legal letter to the presidential candidate

Paul Murphy’s solicitors have formally sent a legal letter to Ms Humphreys, saying the TD intends to issue defamation proceedings in the High Court over her remarks in an RTÉ Radio debate on Sunday. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy has threatened to take legal action against Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys, after comments she made on an RTÉ debate.

Ms Humphreys was referring to an incident in Jobstown in 2014 involving former Labour Party leader Joan Burton. Mr Murphy was cleared of all wrongdoing in court in 2017.

Mr Murphy’s solicitors have formally sent a legal letter to Ms Humphreys, saying the TD intends to issue defamation proceedings in the High Court over her remarks in an RTÉ Radio debate on Sunday.

The letter, seen by the Irish Examiner, outlines that Mr Murphy intends to launch a High Court case within seven days, if an agreement is not reached between the two parties.

In the letter, Mr Murphy’s legal team said Ms Humphreys had accused him of engaging in “violent criminal conduct”, that he had committed “an act of gender-based violence” and that he was a “misogynist”.

Mr Murphy’s solicitors added Ms Humphreys' comments were “grossly defamatory” and he had “suffered in his character and reputation”.

The letter adds Mr Murphy had been exposed to “odium, ridicule, and contempt”.

Mr Murphy’s solicitors have called for Ms Humphreys to immediately withdraw her remarks, and “undertake not to repeat the said comments”.

She is also called on to apologise to Mr Murphy, as well as meet his legal costs on this matter.

The Fine Gael candidate is also called on to make proposals for “suitable compensation”.

Ms Humphreys has been contacted for comment.