Farmer loses bid to prevent Lisbon vote

A Co. Tipperary cattle farmer has lost his High Court bid to prevent the Lisbon Treaty referendum from going ahead next month.

John Burke from Duncummin House, Emly was applying for leave to challenge the legality of the referendum.

His contention was that as the people had already voted in June 2008, the original “No” verdict should stand.

Lawyers for the State argued that the proposal to be put to the people on October 2 is significantly different, and that it should be up to the people to decide upon.

Mr Justice Liam McKechnie agreed, and the case was dismissed.