Irish Times columnist Mr John Waters has won a libel action against the Sunday Timesnewspaper. He has been awarded damages of €84,000 following a High Court verdict this afternoon.
Mr Waters had taken the action over a Sunday Timesarticle written by gossip columnist Ms Terry Keane on June 18th, 2000.
Mr Waters claimed the words used in the piece meant he was a bad father and an unsympathetic person in particular in relation to his daughter, Roisin, and her needs. Roisin is the six-year-old daughter of Mr Waters and singer Sinead O'Connor with whom he had a brief relationship.
The article referred to an address by Mr Waters at the Abbey Theatre before the start of the play Medeatwo years ago. In her Terry Keane Column, Ms Keane said of the Abbey address: "His un-credo makes me cringe and my sympathy goes out to his toddler, Roisin. When she becomes a teenager and I hope, believes in love, should she suffer from mood swings or any affliction of womanhood, she will be truly goosed. And better not ask dad for tea or sympathy. . .or help."
Today, the High Court jury found in Mr Waters’ favour after deliberating for less than three hours.