Top Issue 1-2024

3 September 2010

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Govt told: ‘Move by-election writ or I'll see you in court’

SINN FÉIN Senator Pearse Doherty has told the Government: “Move the writ for the Donegal by-election by October 18th or I’ll see you back in the High Court.”

The Donegal senator (right) was responding to media reports that the Government could try and dodge a High Court verdict by saying it will hold the by-election sometime next year. Senator Doherty said only moving the actual writ will see him withdraw his legal action.

“It is now 15 months since Pat the Cope Gallagher vacated his Dáil seat and headed to Europe.  I brought this case against the Government over its refusal to allow a by-election to take place to restore proper representation to the people of my constituency.

“Speculation has been rife in recent days that the Government will make an announcement before the case goes to court next month at which they will set a date early in the New Year for the by-election to take place.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that the only way this case will go away for the Government is if they move the writ before October 18th.

“Setting a date in the New Year will unnecessarily extend the length of time that the people of my constituency have been under-represented by another four or five months and this is simply not acceptable.

“There is no reason why the Government could not move the writ later this month when the Dáil returns and have the election take place in October or early November.

“I am advised by my legal team that my case will not be harmed in any way if the Government does set a date for the by-election to take place early in the New Year.

“So my message to the Government is clear – move the writ or I’ll see you in court.”

ENDS

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