Commission chases Doherty over court challenge costs

The Referendum Commission has argued before the High Court it was “inconceivable” that Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty remained unaware…

The Referendum Commission has argued before the High Court it was “inconceivable” that Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty remained unaware of a second statement it issued concerning Ireland’s veto over the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald was aware of that second statement issued in the run-up to the referendum, counsel for the commission said.

The commission is seeking costs against Mr Doherty following his unsuccessful High Court challenge over statements made by it related to the veto.

Mr Justice Hogan last month rejected the TD’s challenge to remarks by the commission concerning whether Ireland had a veto over the ESM coming into being but said there was room for legitimate debate on the issue.