Early court hearing on referendum result

AN appeal over a failed challenge to the Yes vote in the same sex marriage referendum will get an early hearing, the Court of Appeal heard.

Gerry Walshe, of Lisdeen, Kilkee wants to appeal last week’s refusal by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, of his application to to bring a petition challenging the May 22 referendum result.

He is seeking a stay restraining the issuing of the necessary certificate verifying the referendum result.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly, dealing with Mr Walshe’s application on Friday, said papers in the case must be ready in two weeks when the court will give him a date for a hearing. The judge said it was an urgent matter and needed to be dealt with soon.

Mr Walshe, representing himself, claims the decision is flawed on a number of grounds including that expenditure by the Government on the Yes campaign was not done openly and transparently and in accordance with law.

The State and the Referendum Commission oppose his application.

The proposal allowing for same sex marriage was supported by 1,201,607 (62.07%) of voters, 734,300 (37.93%) voted against. Voter turnout was 60.52%.

By Aodhan Ó Faolain