Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael presidential candidate, made comments about Paul Murphy during a debate on RTÉ Radio 1's This Week program related to his involvement in an anti-water charges protest in Jobstown in 2014. Murphy was charged but acquitted of false imprisonment linked to that event. Humphreys implied Murphy engaged in violent conduct and referred to two women as victims of that day. Following these comments, Paul Murphy initiated defamation proceedings against Humphreys, alleging her remarks were defamatory and damaging to his reputation. Humphreys expressed disappointment at Murphy's legal action, saying she accepted the court's decision but criticized the lawsuit as a tactic used by the "hard left" and Sinn Féin to silence opposition through court cases. She also accused Murphy of being a campaign manager for candidate Catherine Connolly, a claim denied by Connolly's team. Humphreys has said she will take legal advice but remains focused on her presidential campaign and stated that Murphy will not intimidate her (RTÉ, Irish Examiner, BBC News, Irish Times).

In summary, Heather Humphreys commented in a critical manner about Paul Murphy in relation to the 2014 Jobstown protest, which led to him suing her for defamation. She has publicly stood by her comments, framed the lawsuit as a political tactic, and remains undeterred in her campaign efforts.