A member of the Fianna Fáil, DCU student Brian Mohan, lost on his case against the gender quotas pertaining to political party candidates during election. Mohan stated that they are moving forward with the case through an appeal.
As reported by The Irish Times, Mohan challenged the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2012 which states that political parties must ensure that 30% of their candidates must be women, and 30% as well for men with the percentage intended to rise after seven years. Not following the Act constitutes a 50% cut from State funding.
Mohan claimed that such law was unconstitutional and stated that the Oireachtas went overboard with the use of its powers in trying to dictate the rules of elections. Mohan previously intended to be Fianna Fáil's sole general election candidate in the Dublin Central Constituency. However, the selection required a woman which concluded with the selection of Mary Fitzpatrick.
However, as reported by News Talk, Mohan's claims were rejected by Justice David Keane stating that none of his claims point out that his non-selection was caused by the act rather than by the group's decision.
He also added that Mohan did not have the capacity to bring the case, and clarified that the state's power to enforce regulations on elections is part of their entitlement to legislate with an aim to promote equality.
As reported by Breaking News, Mohan stated that he is moving ahead with the case by filing an appeal. "Yeah, I respect of the judge and we're bitterly disappointed, but we will take the decision to appeal as soon as we can", he said. "It wasn't about running in elections, it was about proving trying a point that I believe in and I still do. We look forward to seeing how the appeal goes." Mohan added.
Mohan also stated on social media, specifically via Twitter that the move to file an appeal was not optional as it was the next step for the case regardless of who won or lost.
