From Drumshanbo convention to a High Court trial: how the events unfolded
Friday, Oct 16, 2015: The bad tempered Sligo-Leitrim selection convention is held in Drumshanbo. It selects TD Tony McLoughlin from Sligo and ex-TD Gerry Reynolds, of Leitrim. John Perry says he will be added later.
Saturday, Oct 17: At the Fine Gael presidential dinner, Enda Kenny says the party will ‘reflect’ on whether to add Mr Perry. But sources suggest he will not be added.
Friday, Oct 23: In a strongly worded letter to convention organiser Darragh Kelly, party General Secretary Tom Curran criticises Mr Kelly’s performance.
Monday, Nov 9: In response to legal correspondence from Mr Perry, Fine Gael solicitor Kevin O’Higgins writes a letter to Mr Perry’s solicitor that appears to contradict the October 23 letter. It admits to minor problems with the convention but said it was run ‘reasonably satisfactorily’.
Tuesday, Nov 17: Mr Kelly reports to Mr Curran on the convention. He did not tamper with votes as it would have been ‘inappropriate’. But another document, a draft report, was produced in court, signed by Mr Kelly and also dated November 17. It said ‘it was suggested to me by the General Secretary to remove two votes belonging to John Perry prior to the commencement of the count process. This I did not do as a matter of conscience.’
Wed, Dec 16: Justice Paul Gilligan begins High Court hearing by Mr Perry against Frank Callanan (chairman of Fine Gael board of Trustees). With a large legal team on each side it promises to be expensive. Fine Gael argue the convention was well organised.
Friday, Dec 19: Documents are produced that imply Mr Kelly and Fine Gael were not forthcoming on discovery of documents, a key legal principle of fairness. He testifies that Mr Curran asked him to remove two votes from Mr Perry’s vote pile, but he refused.
Sat, Dec 20: Motion to dismiss the defence based on the breaches of discovery principle filed.
Monday, Dec 21: More documents produced by Fine Gael, including critical letter Mr Curran wrote on October 23. Mr Curran is the final witness. He insists that he did not suggest the removal of two votes, that it was a throwaway remark that was misunderstood. However, he opens prospect of Mr Perry being added to the ticket. He is not cross-examined, which is set to happen following morning.
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2015: Mr Curran is not cross-examined as Fine Gael settle the case, agreeing to add Mr Perry to the ticket. Fine Gael will have to pay all costs – estimated at €500,000 by legal experts.
Sunday, Jan 3, 2015: Mail on Sunday reveals the explosive details and the growing disquiet over the impact of the case on party coffers, and the conduct of party officials.