State to pay half-costs in Shannon case
Friday, 2 May 2003 16:18
The former Army commandant who took a High Court action to stop Iraq-bound US aircraft using Shannon Airport will have half his legal costs paid by the State.
Despite losing his case, the Court awarded Edward Horgan, from Castletroy in Limerick, half his costs, estimated at more than ¤100,000.
Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns decided that even though Mr Horgan did not succeed in his action, he had raised public law issues of general importance. He also commented on Mr Horgan's sincerity and impressive bone fides.
Mr Horgan did establish that a principle exists in international law that a neutral country cannot allow the movement of substantial troops and ammunition through its territory.
After the costs decision Mr Horgan said he believed it was fair. On the question of an appeal to the Supreme Court, he said he and his legal team would make a decision after careful study of the 71-page judgement delivered last Monday.
