Liam Lawlor,Tribunal lawyers contesting claims
Party whips in Leinster House are to meet to discuss the terms of a Dáil motion condemning Liam Lawlor's behaviour in relation to the Flood Tribunal. Any motion will be taken in Government time and could be tabled over the next fortnight.
Earlier, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, told the House he had "no problem" with the Dáil discussing a motion of censure on the Dublin West TD. The issue was raised by the Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan, who said that Deputy Lawlor's behaviour was bringing the House into "disrepute" and he called on Mr Ahern to put down a motion of censure.
The Taoiseach rejected claims by Mr Noonan, and by Labour leader Ruairi Quinn, that the Government was delaying the appointment of extra members to the Flood Tribunal.
Mr Ahern said that the Attorney General was continuing to seek suitable candidates that were acceptable to Mr Justice Flood and that the work of the Tribunal would not be delayed. He added that he wanted to assure Deputy Quinn, in relation to the Flood Tribunal, that he was "not afraid of anything".
In the High Court today, Liam Lawlor lost the latest round in his legal battle with the Flood Tribunal. The Court rejected an argument by his lawyers that the current legal proceedings, which could see him jailed for a third time, were inappropriate and should be stopped.
It is expected that Mr Lawlor will now attempt to begin appeal proceedings in the Supreme Court in the morning. Frank Clarke for the Tribunal argued that the inquiry was procedurally correct and said that there was no reason why they could not decide on whether he had breached court orders before the deadline for his suspended sentence expired.
Mr Justice Smyth was persuaded by Mr Clarke's arguments. Mr Lawlor has until 11am tomorrow to try and persuade the Supreme Court it should stop the High Court inquiry pending an appeal hearing. Asked if he was disappointed with today's events Mr Lawlor said that he was never disappointed.
