The High Court has given leave to a Co Tipperary farmer to notify the State of his intention to seek a judicial review as to why the second Lisbon Treaty referendum should go ahead next month.
John Gerard Burke from Duncummin House in Emly, Co Tipperary, claims the Lisbon vote of the 12 June 2008 should be declared as passed and that the proposed second vote planned for the 2 October be declared an act in breach of the constitution.
Mr Justice Liam McKechnie gave Mr Burke two days to put the defendants - the Taoiseach, Minister for Justice, the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions - on notice.
The case is due before the High Court on Thursday.
Earlier, a group of trade unionists urging a Yes vote in the Lisbon referendum launched a booklet setting out the benefits they see in the Treaty for workers.
Former SIPTU President Des Geraghty heads up the Charter Group - an alliance of trade unionists and others established for the campaign.
Their booklet claims the Treaty would give the Charter for Fundamental Rights the status of primary law which would significantly strengthen the position of workers.
Meanwhile, an anti-Lisbon group has insisted that Ireland would retain its place at the heart of Europe in the event of the Treaty being rejected.
The People's Movement which is campaigning for a No vote insisted at a news conference that being anti-Lisbon did not amount to being anti-Europe.
Patricia McKenna said rejection of the Treaty would not alter Ireland's position at the heart of Europe, where Ireland would still enjoy full membership of the EU.
