Bell challenges bill which ends dual role

FINE GAEL Mayo TD Michael Ring confirmed last night he would initiate legal proceedings to challenge the constitutionality of the Local Government Bill after President Mary McAleese signed it into law yesterday.

The act, which debars politicians from serving on local authorities while members of the Oireachtas, had been strongly opposed by the Fine Gael deputy. “I’m talking with my team now and you can take it that the case is on,” he said yesterday.

On Sunday, Mr Ring said he had a legal team in place and would go to the High Court to challenge it if the President did not refer it to the Supreme Court. Sources close to the Mayo TD, who is also a member of Mayo County Council, indicated he would make a statement today.