Doherty insists HC challenge was not a stunt

Added: 30-05-2012

Sinn Fein's Pearse Doherty has lost a High Court challenge against the Referendum Commission ahead of tomorrow's vote.

 

The court has rejected his complaint that the Commission made conflicting statements about the government's ability to veto the ESM.

 

Mr Justice Gerard Hogan said it would be impossible for the court at this point to give a definitive view on the arguments raised.

 

However's he refused to find a statement by Commission Chairman Mr.J Justice Kevin Feeney that Ireland could have but didn't veto the ESM was wrong or likely to affect the referendum result.

 

Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams says the judge's comments vindicate Pearse Doherty's decision to take this challenge:

 

Deputy Pearse Doherty says be believes the High Courts decision is very significant.

 

He also rejected claims by Fine Gael that the challenge was a 'stunt'