High Court finds in favour of Government in Thomas Pringle challenge

The High Court has refused to restrain the government from ratifying the European Stability Mechanism Treaty.
Ratification is imminent following a challenge by independent TD Thomas Pringle who argued the ESM treaty, which provides for a 500 billion euro permanent eurozone rescue fund, breaches the Irish Constitution, EU treaties and EU law.
While Ms Justice Mary Laffoy refused his request for an injunction, she has decided to refer a point of law to the European Court of Justice about procedures relating to the effect and operability of the stability mechanism.
She will deliver a full judgment at a later date.