Arthur Beesley,
Political Reporter
A Fine Gael TD has said he will defy the abolition of the dual mandate by running in the local elections next year.
Mr Michael Ring said he had asked the High Court for an early hearing of the case challenging the constitutionality of the Government measure which prevents TDs from sitting on local councils from next year.
No date has been set for a hearing of the case, which is being defended by the Government.
In an affidavit signed in recent days, Mr Ring notified the court of his intention to stand in the election to Mayo County Council.
The Fine Gael selection convention on December 15th would keep his place on the party ticket open, he said.
He was keen to have the matter clarified sooner than later.
Mr Ring, who is the party's social welfare spokesman, has said he has cross-party support for his action. However, he has declined to say who was supporting his action or what parties they represent.
Initiating his action last June, Mr Ring said he regarded the change as undemocratic and an unwarranted interference in the right of the electorate to determine who should represent it at all levels in democracy.
Despite cross-party confidence that the legislation is constitutional, Mr Ring has insisted that the Local Government (No 2) Act, 2003, giving effect to the measure, is unconstitutional.
He said the Constitution was unambiguous with regard to a citizen's right to be eligible for membership of the Oireachtas.