Former election candidate appears in court for failing to make returns

Paul Murphy

Independent European election candidate Ben Gilroy appeared at Navan District Court today charged with failing to make returns on his election expenses.

Mr Gilroy, with an address at Riverview, Athlumney, Navan, stood as an unsuccessful candidate in last year's election to the European Parliament.

In a prosecution taken by the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo), he was charged that on 18th July last year, having been his own election agent and being unsuccessful in the election, failed to furnish to Sipo a written statement within 56 days of polling day giving details of all expenses incurred by him in breach of the Electoral Act 1997 along with any vouchers.

He was also charged with failing to fill in a form required by Sipo under the same legislation. Sipo was represented in court by State Solicitor for Meath, Liam Keane. Judge Cormac Dunne adjourned the case to 22nd January next.

Mr Gilroy (52) is a former leader of Direct Democracy Ireland.