Riordan v. An Taoiseach (No.1) [1997] IEHC 228; [1999] 4 IR 321 (14th November, 1997)

Riordan v. An Taoiseach (No.1) [1997] IEHC 228; [1999] 4 IR 321 (14th November, 1997)

The High Court has no jurisdiction to review constitutional amendments approved by referendum and promulgated by the President. The plaintiff lacked locus standi to challenge government appointments and administrative acts, and several claims were moot due to the expiration of the relevant government actions.

Citation
[1999] 4 IR 321
Parties
Plaintiff: Riordan; Defendant: An Taoiseach; Defendant: An Tanaiste; Defendant: the Government of Ireland; Defendant: the Attorney General
Jurisdiction
Ireland
Procedural Posture
Constitutional Challenge / Final Judgment
Outcome
all claims dismissed
Legal Topics
Constitutional Amendment, Judicial Review, Locus Standi, Appointment of Public Officials, Dissolution of Marriage
Constitutional Law Administrative Law Constitutional Amendment Judicial Review Locus Standi Appointment of Public Officials Dissolution of Marriage

Case Brief

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Parties

Riordan

Plaintiff

An Taoiseach

Defendant

An Tanaiste

Defendant

the Government of Ireland

Defendant

the Attorney General

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Constitutional Challenge / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the High Court has jurisdiction to review constitutional amendments approved by referendum
  2. 2 Validity of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996
  3. 3 Constitutionality of appointments to government and commissions

Ratio Decidendi

The High Court has no jurisdiction to review constitutional amendments approved by referendum and promulgated by the President. The plaintiff lacked locus standi to challenge government appointments and administrative acts, and several claims were moot due to the expiration of the relevant government actions.

Court Disposition

all claims dismissed