Courts / Tipperary / Report
No official confirmation that Tipperary ballot will proceed, High Court told
Summary
Mattie McGrath, an Independent TD and candidate for the 2020 general election, has filed a High Court action to ensure the Tipperary constituency vote takes place on Saturday, 8 February. He argues that the returning officer, James Seymour, unlawfully countermanded the poll following the death of independent candidate Marese Skehan, thereby breaching the Constitution and the 1992 Electoral Act. McGrath contends that postponing the election would disenfranchise voters, disadvantage Independent candidates, and allow larger parties to concentrate resources in Tipperary. He claims a new poll could not be held within the constitutionally mandated 30‑day period, which would expire on 13 February. The case is pending, with the court adjourned to Thursday afternoon for further proceedings. The State, represented by Frank Callanan SC, seeks to adjourn the matter to consider its response. The High Court has not yet ruled on the legality of the countermand.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: No official confirmation that Tipperary ballot will proceed, High Court told. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 8th Hearing Or Sentence
- February 13th Other
- 2020-02-05 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: In reply, Mr Callanan said his side did not have any documents in the case, and while broadly aware of the issues being raised by Mr McGrath, were seeking to have the case adjourned to Thursday so they could consider their response.
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