Ruling later on challenge to legal fees

The High Court has reserved judgment on a challenge by lawyers who represented the former Tanaiste and Labour leader, Mr Dick…

The High Court has reserved judgment on a challenge by lawyers who represented the former Tanaiste and Labour leader, Mr Dick Spring, and the former Labour MEP, Mr Barry Desmond, at the beef tribunal to the sums allowed by a High Court Taxing Master last year for their costs. The case had been at hearing before Mr Justice Smyth for two days.

The Taxing Master increased from £320,000 to £485,000 the instruction fee for Spring Murray and Co, solicitors, which included Mr Spring's brother, Donal, and costs were also allowed for counsel representing the two.

The lawyers argue the sums granted by the Taxing Master were "completely unjust" and want them increased.