High Court denies TD's request for more time

A High Court judge yesterday rejected an application on behalf of Mr Liam Lawlor, a Dublin West TD, for more time to prepare …

A High Court judge yesterday rejected an application on behalf of Mr Liam Lawlor, a Dublin West TD, for more time to prepare for proceedings against him by the Flood tribunal on Monday.

On Wednesday the High Court ordered Mr Lawlor to appear before it next Monday and gave leave to tribunal chairman Mr Justice Flood to serve a summons on the TD through his legal representatives. The summons compels Mr Lawlor, of Lucan, Co Dublin, or his solicitor, to appear before the High Court on Monday. In the High Court yesterday, counsel for Mr Lawlor applied to Mr Justice Smyth for more time to prepare documents. Turning down the request, the judge said he had imposed an obligation on the tribunal to serve documents promptly so there would be two working days and the weekend for them to be dealt with.

On Monday the tribunal is expected to seek a High Court order compelling Mr Lawlor to comply with its instructions.