Former Taoiseach Mr Charles Haughey is facing further questioning by the Moriarty tribunal, despite warnings that the stress involved could hasten his death.
Mr Haughey's legal team was last night considering its options following the announcement by tribunal chairman Mr Justice Moriarty that he was going to require Mr Haughey's testimony although he is suffering from prostate cancer.
A friend of Mr Haughey (75) said last night that he "dreads" returning to the tribunal.
Legal sources said seeking a review of the tribunal's order in the High Court was one option available to Mr Haughey.
Mr Haughey will have to attend one-hour sessions four days a week in a private room in Dublin Castle.
Mr Justice Moriarty rejected a submission from Mr Haughey's counsel, Mr Eoin McGonigal SC, that the tribunal heed advice from Mr Haughey's consultant urologist, Mr McLean, who said Mr Haughey should have nothing further to do with the tribunal.
The chairman said time was "by no means an unimportant consideration". A friend of Mr Haughey's said last night the former Taoiseach had been confident after he was examined by two English consultants engaged by the Moriarty tribunal that he would have no more dealings with it.
"He didn't want to return and he felt it was all over as far as he was concerned.
"He felt the English doctors agreed in principle with the Irish doctors.
"He got a shock when he heard that they might [order him back]. He dreads it. He hates it."
