Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Nanny to the stars

There is a bizarre case working its way through an Irish court these last few weeks. This Irish Times story (which should be a free link, here's another just in case it's not) has the latest update. Basically the former nanny for the Cranberries lead singer is suing her for unfair dismissal; part of the accusations being traded in the case involve allegations of inappropriate care of the child by the other. The nanny actually has quite a CV, having looked after the kids of U2 drummer Larry Mullen and leggy supermodel (to be said with Letterman-type ironic tone) Elle McPherson. Here are some of the latest highlights:

Ms Anne Acheson, partner of U2's Larry Mullen, told the High Court yesterday that Ms Joy Fahy [the nanny] was a totally reliable nanny and had a very special talent with babies...Also yesterday Ms Fahy herself was cross-examined by Mr Shipsey for the defence at the resumed hearing of her action against the Burtons [Cranberries couple] alleging breach of contract...She described as "upsetting and untrue" an allegation that she had received social welfare while working for Australian model Elle McPherson last year...

Referring to Ms Fahy's earlier evidence alleging that, on one occasion while in Canada in 1999, Mr Burton [Cranberry hubby] had gone out on a jet ski with a beer in one hand and baby Taylor in the other, Mr Shipsey suggested that was impossible and did not happen. Ms Fahy said it did happen.


Update: the nanny effectively loses. Awarded minor damages but responsible for costs.

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