Lawyer for IRA bombing victims faces defamation proceedings

Matthew Jury

Matthew Jury, solicitor at McCue Jury & Partners LLP, is representing three IRA bombing victims in a civil claim which the English High Court ruled in January can go ahead against former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams in a personal capacity.

Martin Howe, of Howe and Co Solicitors, who represents Mr Adams in those proceedings, has alleged that Mr Jury defamed him in a press release circulated by his firm after the decision.

A quote attributed to Mr Jury in the press release made a reference to “Adams and his legal team”.

Mr Howe told Irish Legal News that the decision to write to Mr Jury was taken by him and his firm independently and did not involve Mr Adams. A spokesperson for Mr Adams stressed he has “nothing to do with the case being taken by Howe and Co”.

The UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition yesterday issued a statement expressing concern that the action represents a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP).

“The legal case that Jury was commenting on is a matter of widespread public interest and, therefore, the provision of quotes to media outlets constitutes a clear act of public participation,” the coalition’s co-chairs said.

Mr Howe has denied that the legal action represents a SLAPP, telling ILN that his firm is exercising its “legal right to defend our reputation”.

He added: “We are not ‘silencing’ Mr Jury. He has already published his views, which were false. As a solicitor, he will be amply able to defend himself in any defamation claim.”