Flynn in court bid to overturn electoral laws

CONTROVERSIAL Independent Mayo TD Beverly Flynn, has launched a constitutional challenge to provisions which prevent a person who is an undischarged court-declared bankrupt from running for or being a member of the Dáil.

The newly-elected TD’s action is against Ireland, the Attorney General and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. The proceedings were mentioned yesterday by Mr Gerard Hogan SC, for Ms Flynn, before Mr Justice Thomas Smyth who directed that they go before the Bankruptcy Court on Monday, when it considers an application by RTÉ to have Ms Flynn adjudicated a bankrupt.

RTÉ has brought the bankruptcy proceedings over Ms Flynn’s alleged failure to pay any of the €2.84 million legal costs arising from her unsuccessful libel action against the station and its chief news correspondent Charlie Bird.