Lord Irvine wins the battle but not the discrimination warSolicitor Jane Coker and legal adviser Martha Osamor vowed this week to continue their fight against the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, who was cleared last week of sexual discrimination over the appointment of his special adviser.The two-to-one Employment Appeal Tribunal finding overturned an earlier decision which held that Ms Coker had been indirectly discriminated against when former Herbert Smith partner Garry Hart was appointed to the 73,000 post of special adviser.

It said the decision was 'unsound in law'.The tribunal upheld the finding that Ms Osamor had not been discriminated against.

Both women were granted leave to appeal.Ms Coker said she was 'amazed' by the finding as it was 'morally and legally wrong'.

She added: 'The job advertisement may as well have said "no one who is not Garry Hart need apply", which is crazy.'Speaking this week to the home affairs select committee, Lord Irvine said the decision had 'vindicated' the appointment and it was 'common sense' to appoint someone he knew and trusted.Sue Allen