MINISTER of Defence Wayne Sturge has threatened legal action against Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales over statements made at a recent political meeting which, his attorneys say, seriously damaged his reputation.

In a pre-action protocol letter issued yesterday, attorneys from Freedom Law Chambers said they had been instructed to commence defamation proceedings against Gonzales unless the matter is resolved within 14 days.

Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, along with attorneys Jared Jagroo and Seth Ramsden, claim that remarks made by Gonzales at a public meeting last Wednesday conveyed allegations that Sturge had attained office through improper and criminal means and was therefore unfit to hold responsibility for national security.