Fine Gael TD John Perry tells court convention result was 'fundamentally flawed'

Fine Gael TD John Perry has told the High Court that the Taoiseach made a “clear commitment” to allow all sitting TDs contest the General Election.

Deputy Perry was giving evidence on the second day of his legal action against the party and Fine Gael's National Executive Council.

John Perry said there was an “uncanny nerve” amongst members at a meeting of Fine Gael’s Parliamentary Party this time last year.

Gender quotas were discussed and he said people also raised concerns about directives in various constituencies, which he believed cost good councillors their seats in the local elections.

But he said he was “delighted” to hear the Taoiseach give a commitment to allow all outgoing TDs to contest the general election.

He mentioned Minister Richard Bruton’s addition to the ticket after failing to get the nod in Dublin Bay North

Deputy Perry said he believed this alleged promise had a huge effect on his own convention, because delegates in Sligo/Leitrim felt he would be added to the ticket if he was not selected – which he was not.

He claims a number of irregularities at the convention resulted in the outcome being “fundamentally flawed” and he wants it to be set aside.