The Dublin Special Criminal Court has ruled that the trial of Michael McKevitt - who denies charges of membership of an illegal organisation and directing terrorism - will continue, following his decision to sack his legal team.
The court also refused to allow him to absent himself from the trial.
McKevitt, who is 53, said he was remaining under protest at what he described as a showtrial.
He said he did not want to ask any of the witnesses questions.
