Claire required a reference for a new job. She asked for a letter from her former employer's supervisor, Alice. Alice wrote that Claire was honest, hard$-$working, intelligent and pleasant, and would do best in a job with considerable direction and supervision. Since Claire had applied for work in off site sales, she was turned down for the job as it required an independent, self$-$starter. Claire sued Alice for defamation. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

a$)$ Alice could successfully argue that she is not liable for defamation because what she had written was true.

b$)$ Alice could successfully raise the defence of qualified privilege.

c$)$ Since Alice was commenting about Claire, the defence of fair comment would protect Alice from liability.

d$)$ Both $($a$)$ and $($b$).$

e$)$ Both $($a$)$ and $($c$).$