NI: Attorney General could be involved in Brexit cases before High Court

Attorney General John Larkin QC
Attorney General John Larkin QC

Northern Ireland’s Attorney General John Larkin QC could involve himself in two Brexit cases to be heard by the High Court.

Mr Larkin said the challenges by victims campaigner Raymond McCord and a cross-party group of MLAs raise an issue of devolution around constitutional arrangements.

Mr Justice Maguire is expected to decide whether to issue a formal devolution notice at a hearing on Thursday.

Ciaran O’Hare of McIvor Farrell Solicitors, representing Mr McCord, told Irish Legal News: “The Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the Northern Ireland Executive for both civil and criminal matters that fall within the devolved powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly and he protects the public interest in matters of law.

“At this juncture, the Attorney General is of the view that he should become involved in my client’s challenge.

“A decision will be made in respect of the Attorney General’s involvement when the matter is back before the court on Thursday 22 September 2016.

“An agreed list of the issues particular to Northern Ireland must be set out before court on Thursday.

“Once again, we look forward to making robust legal arguments at the hearing of this case on 4 and 5 October 2016.”

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