NI: Raymond McCord lawyers head to London for Brexit case

Ciaran O'Hare, Conan Fegan BL, Ronan Lavery QC
Pictured (l-r): Ciaran O’Hare, Conan Fegan BL, Ronan Lavery QC

Belfast solicitor Ciaran O’Hare of McIvor Farrell Solicitors has travelled to London with Conan Fegan BL and Ronan Lavery QC for the Brexit case currently before the UK Supreme Court.

Mr Lavery QC will make submissions tomorrow in relation to victims’ campaign Raymond McCord.

Mr McCord was unsuccessful in challenging the Brexit process in the High Court in Belfast, but the Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan, ruled in the Court of Appeal that the key argument in his case be referred to the Supreme Court.

Mr O’Hare said: “I believe that it is important that Northern Ireland is represented before the Supreme Court. If Mr McCord did not take these proceedings then no one would be making the submission that the people of Northern Ireland did not vote for Brexit and that the will of the people of Northern Ireland should be respected.

“Unlike the Northern Irish Executive, the Scottish and Welsh Governments have intervened in these proceedings to make submissions on behalf of the people of their respective countries.

“Mr McCord’s case puts into historical context the Constitution of Northern Ireland.

“Professor Diarmaid Ferriter, a well respected professor of Modern Irish History at UCD, agrees that there cannot be any constitutional change to the status of Northern Ireland unless it is supported by the mandate of the people of Northern Ireland and the case is that the majority of the people of Northern Ireland voted to Remain.

“I believe we are witnessing history in the making and it is wonderful to be part of it. I passionately believe in our argument. It has been all that I have thought of for these past few months.”

The proceedings are being broadcast live on the UKSC website.

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