Limerick – The Record Court in Limerick today delivered judgment in the Municipal Election Petition case brought forward by Mr Patrick Bourke, Vice-Chairman of the Limerick Board of Guardians. Mr Bourke contested the election results, claiming that he should have been elected as Councillor for the Custom House Ward in the triennial elections held in January.
The elections saw a tie between Mr Bourke, the respondent Mr Daniel Hannan, and Mr Matthew McInerney, each receiving 236 votes for the two available seats. Drawing lots resulted in the election of Mr McInerneyand Mr Hannan. Subsequently, Mr Bourke filed a petition challenging Mr Hannan’s election, citing allegations of personation and other irregularities.
The Court examined four cases of alleged personation involving Michael Noonan, Mary Sheary, Margaret Mooney, and William Sheehan. The judgment revealed that, of these cases, only one vote given in the name of Michael Noonan was deemed illegal, favouring the respondent. The three other personation votes did not impact the results, as they were not cast for either Mr Bourke or Mr Hannan.
After considering the evidence and examining the alleged personation cases, the Court ruled in favour of Mr Hannan, the respondent, dismissing the petition. The judgment includes an award of costs, except for the witness’s expenses, against Mr Bourke.
With this judgment, the case concludes, bringing clarity to the disputed municipal election in Limerick’s Custom House Ward. The decision reinforces the election results and affirms Mr Daniel Hannan’s status as the duly elected Councillor for the ward.
