17/12/2012

Former NI Water Director Awarded £80,000

A former director of NI Water has been awarded £80,000 in damages for being libelled by Sinn Fein.

Declan Gormley will also receive full costs.

Mr Gormley sued Sinn Fein over the contents of two press releases which were in support of his sacking from the NI Water board.

Today, the jury decided on the size of the damages at Belfast High Court.

Speaking outside the court he said: "What happened to me was wrong, a jury of ordinary men and women have decided it was wrong and have awarded accordingly.

"It's never been about the money, it's always been about vindicating my reputation and good name.

"The award is great, but that was never the focus of my action."

Mr Gormley was dismissed with three other non-executive directors in March 2010.

The former Sinn Fein Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy removed them from the board after an independent review.

(CD)

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