You sensed from the way Tom Curran nodded he was not totally surprised when the High Court refused to give him the green light to assist in his partner’s suicide.

Statement from Bernadette Parte, solicitor for Marie Fleming: “My client Marie Fleming has asked me to say that she and Tom and her family greatly appreciate all the efforts that have been made to give Marie’s case a full and speedy hearing, given her circumstances.

Lawyers for Marie Fleming have indicated that the 58-year-old may appeal today's High Court ruling upholding the ban on assisted suicide.