A legal challenge to the Government's nomination of former Supreme Court judge Mr Hugh O'Flaherty to the position of vice-president of the European Investment Bank (EIB) is to be heard by the High Court on Wednesday.
Mr Justice Kelly yesterday set Wednesday as the date for the hearing after being told that documents in the case have to be considered by the sides.
The challenge to the proposed appointment of Mr O'Flaherty has been taken by a college lecturer, Mr Denis Riordan, of Redgate, Co Limerick. Mr Riordan has applied for leave to seek orders preventing the appointment of Mr O'Flaherty. Mr Justice Kelly told Mr Riordan that, as the allegations being levied against Mr O'Flaherty were so serious, the former judge and other respondents in the case should be served with notice of the application and he returned the matter for yesterday.
Mr Riordan's proceedings are against the Government; the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern; the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy; the Attorney General; and Mr O'Flaherty.
Next Wednesday, Mr Riordan will apply for leave to seek a declaration that Mr O'Flaherty is an unfit person for appointment to the EIB position and an order requiring Mr McCreevy to withdraw the nomination.
He will also apply for leave to seek an order requiring the Government to advertise the EIB position.
Mr Thomas Murphy, for Mr O'Flaherty, said his client had not had sight of the papers relating to the case, nor had he had an opportunity to instruct counsel in the matter.
Ms Nuala Butler, for the Government and other respondents, said her side was anxious to have the matter resolved.
Mr Riordan, who is representing himself, said he would like to file a more comprehensive affidavit and was given leave to do so.