PETER SLIPPER'S ex-wife has broken her silence to defend the Speaker against accusations of misconduct and urged him to ''go for the people who went after him'' once allegations he sexually harassed a young male staffer are resolved.

Speaking publicly for the first time about the man to whom she was married for 15 years, Lyn Slipper accused the Liberal Party of seeking payback against its former MP for shoring up the Gillard government by accepting the Speaker's role.

''The moment Peter was elected Speaker we all had the sword of Damocles hanging over our heads, waiting to see what would happen. We knew there would be retribution,'' Ms Slipper told The Sun-Herald.

''Peter stood between Tony Abbott and The Lodge; it was obvious he was fair game. Tony Abbott released the dogs; they were going to come for him, come what may.''