McGrath: I did not mean to put President in tough spot

INDEPENDENT TD, Finian McGrath, said he did not intend to put President Mary McAleese in a difficult position by asking for her intervention in the referendum on the Lisbon treaty.

The Government supporting Dáil deputy wrote to the President asking her to call a meeting of the Council of State — advisers to the President on constitutional matters — to examine if the treaty is in conflict with the Irish constitution.

A spokesperson for President McAleese said her office sent a written reply to Mr McGrath yesterday afternoon, but would not confirm whether she rejected or agreed to his request.