“I do not believe, nor have I ever believed, as the documents sent to me allege, that councillor Davis is a misogynist.
“I do not believe that he initiates attacks on women in council or on social media or endorses or encourages the mocking of women by engaging in attacks or posts that are disrespectful or that he passively approves of such behaviour.
“Lord Mayor, I want to assure you, the chamber and especially councillor Davis, that what councillor Davis asserts occurred was not my intent.
“I publicly and unconditionally apologise to councillor Henry Davis for any hurt or distress that he feels and I unconditionally retract my assertions of July ninth in their entirety.”
Davis, a lawyer, launched defamation proceedings against Martin and councillor Janet Giles earlier this month.
Giles told the July 9 council meeting that in her opinion Davis had shown a “pattern of behaviour”, saying she believed behaviour that “seems to be disruptive, disrespectful…” could discourage other women from running for office.
Davis filed for defamation on September 11 after not receiving an apology he had demanded. Davis told InDaily he sent a final warning seeking an apology before filing with the Magistrates Court. Martin was on leave at the time, and last night’s council meeting was his first since returning.
When InDaily asked Davis if he would now withdraw legal action against Martin, he said he was still considering the issue.
“I thank councillor Martin for his apology, unfortunately I have heard nothing from councillor Giles,” Davis said.
“Despite me immediately issuing concerns notices, it has taken months for an apology to be issued. During that time significant damage has been done.”
Davis is seeking $10,000 in damages from Martin and Giles respectively, a figure he said reflected estimated damages such as business lost through his law firm.
“The untrue comments made by councillor Martin and councillor Giles caused serious damage to my reputation and my business,” he said.
“These comments were also made at a time when I was seeking Liberal preselection for the federal seat of Mayo. I cannot help but think that these comments were made at a time designed to maximise damage to me.”
Conservative staffer Zane Basic defeated Davis for Liberal Party preselection in the federal seat of Mayo in August.
“The apology goes some way to repairing the damage caused, but without an apology from councillor Giles I cannot say this matter is over,” Davis said.
“I will wait to hear from councillor Giles as to whether she will issue an apology or not. I served the proceedings on her last night.
“I accept councillor Martin’s apology and will wait to see if councillor Giles will also own up to her actions”.
InDaily contacted Giles for comment.
