The Government press secretary, Ms Mandy Johnston, is facing a six-figure legal bill after the failure of her libel action against the Star, write Carol Coulter and Arthur Beesley
It is understood that Ms Johnston did not have any agreement with the Government to indemnify her against legal fees in the event of her action being unsuccessful.
Total costs in the case are now likely to reach at least €200,000. A Government spokesman said last night that Ms Johnston took the case "in a personal capacity".
Ms Johnston sued the Star newspaper over an article which appeared on September 14th, 1996, which quoted her referring to the Profumo scandal and another Mandy - Rice Davis - who had brought down a government. She hoped to do the same. Ms Johnston had just been appointed Fianna Fáil press officer. At the time the Rainbow coalition under then Taoiseach Mr John Bruton was in office.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, appointed Ms Johnston (31) press secretary after the 2002 election.
Ms Johnson claimed the 1996 article, and the accompanying photograph of call-girl Christine Keeler, had defamed her. However, the jury of five women and seven men answered "No" to the first of two questions posed by the issue paper handed to them. "Does the article, by itself and by the photographs published with it, mean the person is of low moral character?" The second question, asking the jury to assess damages, arose only if the answer to the first question was "Yes", counsel for the Star, Mr Eoin McCullough SC, said.
The jury reached its decision after one hour and 20 minutes' deliberation. It led some senior observers in Government circles to question Ms Johnston's wisdom in taking the action.
It is understood that settlement talks took place at one stage between the press secretary and the Star. A substantial sum was offered without prejudice but this failed to settle the case.
The editor of the newspaper, Mr Ger Colleran, shook hands with the writer of the story, the paper's former political correspondent, Mr John Donlon, as the verdict emerged. Mr Colleran said he was delighted by the outcome.
Ms Johnston showed no emotion and left the courtroom rapidly with her boyfriend, family members and her legal team. "I am very relieved the ordeal is over. I accept the decision. I want to move on and get back to work," she said afterwards. She will not be appealing.
The newspaper's costs will go to the taxing master, and are likely to run to at least €100,000. Ms Johnston's own costs will be a little less, as she had one, rather than two, senior counsel. However, it is not uncommon for plaintiffs in libel actions not to pay all of their own costs if they lose the case.