Courts / Dublin / Report

Irish Countrywoman's Association must hold fresh elections, judge rules

Date
2018-07-31

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a High Court ruling, Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh ordered the Irish Countrywoman's Association (ICA) to hold fresh elections for its national executive within two months, with results announced before 30 September. The judge found that the ICA had breached its constitution by failing to count ballots before its May AGM and by allowing the current executive to remain in a caretaker role. Ms Patricia Madden, a member and barrister, had claimed the organisation had violated its constitution and sought injunctions to prevent filling vacancies. The ICA, represented by Frank Beatty SC, acknowledged ballot problems and proposed new elections, but Ms Madden rejected those proposals. The judge confirmed that the current executive may stay in place until the new elections are completed, and that any constitutional changes are the ICA's responsibility, not the court's. The decision will be set out in a written judgment later.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Irish Countrywoman's Association must hold fresh elections, judge rules. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

September 30th Incident
2018 to 2021 Other
2018-07-31 Publication

Why: Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh said that in order to best meet the exceptional circumstances that occurred within the ICA, the new elections must take place and the results announced before September 30th next. CNI source report