THE HIGH Court ruling on the Donegal South West byelection had vindicated the decision to take the Government “kicking and screaming” before the High Court, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty said yesterday.
The purpose of taking the case was “to secure the rights of the people of Donegal South West, who have been denied their constitutional rights for the last 18 months”.
Speaking to reporters after the judgment was issued, Mr Doherty, who is the Sinn Féin candidate for the byelection said: “There is no doubt that the Government now will be forced to hold this byelection and we look forward to contesting that byelection in the month of November.
“It is clear that this Government’s days are numbered and we are glad that Sinn Féin has taken this Government head-on and secured such a victory for the people of Donegal South West in the High Court today.”
Sinn Féin leader in the Dáil Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: “It is a hugely important judgment, not only for the people of Donegal South West, but indeed for all of those who are hoping for a byelection opportunity to pass judgment on this Government.”
Speaking after the Greens’ parliamentary party meeting yesterday afternoon, party chairman Dan Boyle said the writ for Donegal South West should be moved by Government.
Mr Boyle said the three other outstanding byelections, in Donegal North East, Dublin South and Waterford, should be held at the same time in early spring, along with the children’s rights referendum and the Dublin mayoral poll.