Comedian to defend defamation action from Senator Norris

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

Mr Norris is suing Mr 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.

Barrister Peter Mc Kenna 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 Norris.

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

Barrister Shane Geraghty, 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.