It remains open to both TDs, Pa Daly (L) and Paul Murphy (R), to seek permission to appeal the High Court’s judgment.

Rossa Fanning said “prompt” determination of Sinn Fein's Patrick 'Pa' Daly’s case is in the public interest, given the nature of the constitutional issues arising.

Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty granted “leave”, allowing Sinn Féin's Patrick 'Pa' Daly to continue with his legal challenge.