Lawlor lawyers call for judge to step down

Lawyers for Liam Lawlor will again call today for Mr Justice Thomas Smyth to step down from the case of alleged contempt being taken against the controversial TD.

Yesterday, the High Court was told that Judge Smyth acted as a legal adviser to Green Property plc, which opposed the rezoning of the Quarryvale centre 10 years ago.

The Flood Tribunal plans to question the Dublin West Deputy about the rezoning of the complex.

Yesterday Liam Lawlor's barrister John Rogers told the court that the presiding judge in this case acted for a company called Green Property plc in the early 90s.

Green Property plc opposed the rezoning of the Quarryvale shopping centre whose size was reduced from 500,000 sq. ft to 250,000 sq. ft.

Liam Lawlor is expected to be questioned about the rezoning of Quarryvale by the Flood Tribunal next month.

As it was Judge Smyth who issued the original order instructing Liam Lawlor to appear before Justice Flood, objections have been raised.

Liam Lawlor's legal team claimed there was concern over apparent bias and has called for Judge Smyth to step down.

The questioning continues later today.