Craig Continues Push for Honesty
Colin Craig today advised that the defamation claim against Russell Norman will be split into two stages in the hope of
fast tracking a court hearing.
“After extensive discussion and advice from my legal team, I’ve decided to proceed immediately against Mr Norman
regarding his claims about the place of women,” says Mr Craig.
“Not only were Mr Norman’s comments entirely untrue, but they demonstrated a cavalier and reckless disregard for the
truth.”
“Debates should be won by presenting the facts, not by corrupting them,” Mr Craig says. “I think the public deserve an
honest debate.”
“A high standard of public debate is essential to a properly functioning democracy. I, like most New Zealanders, am
tired of politicians corrupting the facts, making up stories, name calling, and generally behaving badly in political
debate,” Mr Craig says.
“The reason the rest of Mr Norman’s comment will not be pursued in the first instance is that his lawyers have already
indicated that discovery would include emails and other correspondence. Given the extensive debate around the
redefinition of marriage, this is many hundreds, if not thousands of documents, and would result in prohibitive costs
and time delays.”
“It is hoped by breaking the case into two stages, that a declaration of defamation may be obtained prior to the
election this year.”
ENDS