A Fine Gael TD claims somebody on the party’s National Executive Council didn’t want him to be added to the ticket for next year’s general election.

Former Junior Minister John Perry is trying to convince the High Court that the result of the Sligo/Leitrim selection convention should be set aside.

John Perry was one of four people to contest the Sligo/Leitrim selection convention, which was held in Drumshanbo two months ago, but left the Mayflower ballroom as one of the two unsuccessful candidates.

However, he believes there were a number of irregularities that spoiled the final vote and has decided to take legal action to have the result set aside and a new convention convened.

In opening his case before the High Court this afternoon, his barrister claimed votes were cast by people who weren’t entitled to and that votes were recorded for people who weren’t there on the night.

He claims a sister of one of the candidates was seen placing a number of votes in a ballot box, and that the box itself was left unattended on two occasions.

He’s also accused somebody on Fine Gael’s National Executive of not wanting him to get on the ticket.
The hearing is due to take up to three days.