Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams confirmed that Pearse Doherty’s legal team wrote to the Referendum Commission on Friday challenging the Commission’s assertion that the opportunity for a veto on the ESM was now gone. Sinn Féin firmly believes that this is not correct. A Judicial Review was lodged in the courts this morning and will be heard tonight.
Deputy Adams said:“Sinn Féin has consistently challenged the Government’s claim that emergency funding will not be available if people vote no on Thursday. It is our firm view that this is not the case. Sinn Fein has also taken issue with the Referendum Commission’s interpretation of this matter.
“Pearse Doherty’s legal team wrote to the referendum commission on Friday. The letter challenged the Commission’s assertion that the opportunity for a veto on the ESM was now gone. Sinn Féin firmly believes that this is not correct.
“This is a matter of central importance to the referendum. We are looking for the Referendum Commission to acknowledge that the Government is legally at liberty to withhold ratification of the Article 136 amendment to the EU treaties.
“Pearse Doherty’s legal team lodged a Judicial Review this morning and the matter will be heard shortly.”