Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ulsterman loses legal bid against Tory & DUP pact
A MAN has lost a High Court challenge to the uk government’s controversial parliamentary deal with the DUP.
Two judges rejected an application made yesterday by Ciaran Mcclean to bring a judicial review of the legality of the £1billion agreement.
The Co Tyrone health worker, who stood for the Green Party NI in the last general election, accused the Government of “buying DUP votes” to hold on to power.
The father of three, who raised thousands by crowdfunding for the legal action, was in court to hear Lord Justice Sales, sitting with Mr Justice Lewis, rule against him.
Lord Justice Sales said neither of two grounds in his application was “properly arguable in a court of law”.
Mr Mcclean, who pursued the legal action as a private individual, claimed the agreement breached the Bribery Act 2010 and described it as a “corrupt bargain”.
Dominic Chambers QC told judges under the June 26 deal the Government had “purchased” the DUP’S political support for £1billion, a sum “that will come from public money”.
He argued the agreement was made for an “unlawful purpose”, and would see public funds used for “party political advantage”.
The application was contested by the Attorney General.
Speaking afterwards Mr Mcclean said: “The Money for Votes Agreement requires the scrutiny of Parliament.”
The Money for Votes Agreement requires the scrutiny of Parliament
CIARAN MCCLEAN LONDON, YESTERDAY