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PR: Victory in Libel Case
17.04.2007
Independent Newspapers have agreed to read an apology to leading pro-life activist, Niamh Uí Bhriain (nee Nic Mhathúna) in open court following a nine-year libel battle against the newspaper group, which has finally been settled. In what has been called a ‘major victory for pro-life activism and for free speech’ the Irish Independent also agreed to a printed apology.
In the printed apology, which appeared on page 3 of last Saturday’s edition, the Irish Independent acknowledged that suggestions that the then Niamh Nic Mhathúna had been involved in violent activities were untrue, and admitted that she is ‘a person of the highest integrity’. The offending articles were written in 1997 when the pro-life leader was spokeswoman for Ireland’s largest and most visible pro-life group, Youth Defence.
Mrs Uí Bhriain told the Irish Family Press that she was ‘absolutely delighted’ with the outcome. ‘It’s been a long battle and, at times, a difficult one’, she said, ‘but we were sure from the outset that the truth would prevail. This is a victory for everyone who fights for unborn babies and their mothers.’
The pro-life leader who is renowned for her commitment and passion in defending human life said that she wanted to thank her legal team and her ‘wonderful family’ who had made the outcome possible. ‘I’d also like to share this victory with the entire pro-life community who have stood by me and supported me in this case for such a long period of time. The support I received was really extraordinary’, she said.
Mrs Uí Bhriain, who is expecting her third baby shortly, added that: ‘The media in this country have gone to extraordinary lengths to demonise and attack pro-lifers. Now the work done by Youth Defence and Mother and Child Campaign to protect mothers and babies has been vindicated yet again.’ She said that no-one should be intimidated by the wealth and resources of giant media groups, and that no newspaper or journalist had the right to defame individuals or to tell lies about those who worked to protect helpless children from the abortion industry. ‘Sometimes the sheer vindictiveness of what’s written to deter and intimidate pro-life activists is startling’, added Mrs Uí Bhriain, ‘Pro-life people are wrongly accused, defamed and attacked all the time. What was written about me was entirely untrue, and a slur on my character and good name. It needed to be challenged.’
Congratulations and good wishes have poured in for Niamh Uí Bhriain who says she is planning ‘a big celebration for everyone after the new baby is born.’
Bernie Smyth of Precious Life in the North of Ireland said she was thrilled to hear the outcome. This is a ‘major victory for Niamh, for pro-life activism and for free speech’, said Mrs Smyth. Paul O’Loughlin of the CSP said he wished to extend ‘sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Niamh, her family and both Youth Defence and Mother and Child for this tremendous victory.’ Pat Mahoney of the US Christian Defence Coalition, who, with a top FBI agent, was expected to be one of the star witnesses in the case, said that the victory was fully deserved. ‘The work Niamh does is outstanding. What was written about her was untrue, outrageous and had to be exposed as such’, he said. ‘It’s a marvellous result.’
Mary Thornton of Ireland for Life congratulated Mrs Uí Bhriain for her work and her bravery in always being to the fore of this issue. She said she feels there is a growing enlightenment amongst journalists now with regard to the value of human life and respect for those who have for a long time championed the rights of the unborn.
End
