Politics

Direct Democracy runs in four European constituencies

Controversial former party leader Ben Gilroy runs in Northern constituency

Ben Gilroy, of Direct Democracy Ireland at the official launch of the political party in Dublin of Direct Democracy Ireland is standing for Europe in the Northern constituency. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Ben Gilroy, of Direct Democracy Ireland at the official launch of the political party in Dublin of Direct Democracy Ireland is standing for Europe in the Northern constituency. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Aine McMahon
Thu May 08 2014 - 10:28

Direct Democracy Ireland introduced their candidates for the local and European elections in Dublin yesterday.

Running for seats in Europe are Ben Gilroy in the Northern constituency, Tom Darcy and Ray Whitehead in Dublin and Jan van de Ven in the Southern constituency.

Mr Gilroy stepped down as leader of Direct Democracy Ireland in February, following the party’s annual general meeting. Mr van de Ven was chosen as the new party leader.

In April, Mr Gilroy was given a four-week suspended prison sentence after the High Court ruled he was in contempt of court orders not to interfere with the receivership of a 120-acre stud farm at Kennycourt, Brannockstown, Naas.

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Mr Gilroy said he would appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court and has initiated an attempt to impeach the High Court judge who ruled against him.