RTÉ to bid for costs after failed Green Party suit

RTÉ has confirmed it is seeking its legal costs against a Green Party trustee who brought the broadcaster to court in a failed challenge to its decision to exclude Eamon Ryan from a leaders’ debate.

Ms Justice Marie Baker, sitting in the High Court in Dublin, last week ruled the criteria used to determine who should participate was not unfair or irrational or disproportionate.

Lawyers for the Green Party argued that its exclusion was a breach of the Constitution and the Broadcasting Act 2009. However, the allegations were rejected after a two-day hearing.

Nuala Butler SC, representing RTÉ, told the court that the broadcaster is seeking its costs on the basis that it won the case.

However, the Green Party claims normal rules should not apply as the case raised issues of public importance.

A ruling will be made at a High Court hearing on Wednesday 2 March.