A Co Clare electrician bringing a challenge to the outcome of the Marriage Referendum has told the High Court it is not an anti-gay issue.
Gerry Walshe of Lisdeen Road, Kilkee and another challenger Maurice Lyons, a gardener from Co Kilkenny, are setting out their cases to President Nicholas Kearns.
Gerry Walshe started his case by saying he wants it on record that this is not an anti-gay issue, it's about unfair procedures in the referendum process.
He claims there was a lack of impartiality in the distribution of posters with yes posters, many backed by government parties, appearing 7 to 10 times more frequently than No posters.
He said spending by political parties materially affected the outcome of the referendum and he claimed the state parties had not denied money for posters came from central funds.
He also argued serial numbers on voting cards combined with CCTV cameras at polling stations compromised the secrecy of the ballot.
Another challenger Maurice Lyons will present his arguments this afternoon – both cases are at a preliminary stage and will need leave of President Nicholas Kearns to continue.
