High Court ruling due on Martin electoral spending

The High Court will today decide whether or not the Minister for Health, Micheál Martin, breached the statutory limit on spending when he contested the general election last year in the Cork South Central constituency.

Mr Martin's spending figures are being challenged by disability campaigner Cathy Sinnott, who lost out on a Dáil seat by just six votes.

Under 1997 legislation, candidates in five-seat constituencies have a spending limit of €38,092, which the minister is accused of breaching.

A ruling in favour of Ms Sinnott would force a re-election in Cork South Central.

A similar case taken by Nicky Kelly against Wicklow Fianna Fail TD Joe Jacob is also pending.