Fine Gael will not sanction Ring over dual mandate

FINE GAEL will not impose any sanction on Mayo TD Michael Ring despite his legal challenge to the Local Government Act being completely at odds with the party line.

Mr Ring, yesterday launched a High Court challenge against the constitutionality of the Act which abolishes the dual mandate allowing sitting TDs to also be a member of local authority.

The Local Government Act was signed into law by President Mary McAleese on June 2. TDs holding local authority seats will have to give them up before next summer’s local elections.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Ring said he had always opposed the abolition of the dual mandate and had voted against the legislation in the Dáil.

“I regard the change as undemocratic, and an unwarranted interference in the right of the electorate to determine who should represent them at all levels in our democracy.

“It is my view that this change in the law is unconstitutional. The constitution is ambiguous with regard to a citizen’s right to be eligible for membership of the Oireachtas,” he said. Mr Ring said membership of a local authority should not be seen as a disability.

Fine Gael environment spokesperson Bernard Allen, said he did not believe the party should impose any sanction on Mr Ring despite the divergence between his views and party policy.

“As a party we opposed the bill in the Dáil and in the Seanad but it’s now law so we have to go along with it,” he said.

Referring to his colleague’s constitutional challenge, Deputy Allen said: “It’s his constitutional right and we can’t deny him that and it wouldn’t be right to do so.”

Mr Ring’s legal team yesterday issued proceedings in the High Court seeking a hearing as soon as possible in view of the fact that local elections will be held in less than 12 months. The team also served papers on the Attorney General Rory Brady.

Proposals to end the dual mandate, introduced by Noel Dempsey, were dropped following strong opposition from a number of Independent TDs during the last Government’s term.

A number of TDs from all parties are backing Mr Ring’s challenge although few, apart from Kerry South’s Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, have come out openly to support the action.

According to figures compiled by the General Council there are currently 126 TDs and Senators who are also members of local councils. Of those 52 are Fianna Fáil councilors while 34 are members of Fine Gael.