Dalziel sued for $3 million
February 28th, 2005 at 6:07 pm by David FarrarLianne Dalziel lost her job as a Minister when found to have lied over the Sri Lankan refugee case. Now she may lose a lot of money also as the girl’s lawyer is suing. Hmmn actually I suspect the taxpayer will actually pay if she is found to have defamed the girl’s lawyer.
No details online yet.
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February 28th, 2005 at 6:14 pm
I see the Winston trend of suing for a specified amount is continuing. Sounds like said lawyer maybe more interested in publicity than redress.
Vote:February 28th, 2005 at 6:25 pm
GPT, I suspect you are right. The only bad news is no news and who wouldn’t like some free publicity. My guess is that the MSM will swarm all over it for a day or two, then forget it and not even report her inivitiable loss at trial (’cause that just ain’t news folks).
Vote:February 28th, 2005 at 7:04 pm
How can a suit be filed for $3 million? The defamation act prohibits such stunts.
Vote:February 28th, 2005 at 11:08 pm
No matter, I’m sure Dalziel won’t be paying a penny of the legal costs or any resultant damages out of her own pocket. Please lower your pants, spread your arse cheeks and bend over, Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer.
Vote:March 1st, 2005 at 12:48 am
You wish.
Vote:March 1st, 2005 at 11:29 am
As far as Im aware not a cent has been paid out for Labour Ministers ,of course national created the standard on this, maybe a Dorothy Dix in parliament about taxpayer funded libel suits paid when national was in power
Vote:March 1st, 2005 at 12:42 pm
Underminer –
First, I think you’re wrong on the facts but would have to double check. And, anyway, what’s your point? I’ve never had a high opinion of Ministers having a licence to slander (a.k.a. parliamentary privilege) then expecting the tax-payer to foot the bill and the party involved is utterly irrelevant.
If Dalziel is personally liable for the legal costs and any resultant damages that flow from this action, I don’t much care.
Vote:March 1st, 2005 at 1:37 pm
The Precedent was established many many years ago ( was it that long ago when the 20% club were in power ?) that Ministers of the Crown have ‘no fault’ protection in that the Ministerial servicesbudget picks up the lawyer costs and any damages. Gee all public companies have insurance for directors for exactly the same thing, all though it covers all their duties and not just libel per se.
Vote:newspapers used to get sued all the time by government ministers but not any more since you don
March 1st, 2005 at 1:47 pm
No jury is going to give a lawyer who makes money from legal aid representing illegal migrants, migrants who tell totally false claims, more money from the taxpayers. ( gee I was carefull with my commas)
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