Fine Gael admits there was some “irregular” voting at its selection convention for Sligo/Leitrim, but denies breaking any party rules.

Former Junior Minister John Perry was not chosen to run in next year’s election, but claims the outcome is “fundamentally flawed”.

Deputy Perry is trying to convince the High Court that the result of the Sligo/Leitrim selection convention should be set aside.

He believes there were a number of irregularities that spoiled the final vote and has decided to take legal action to have the result set aside and a new convention convened.

He believes votes were cast by people who were not entitled to and that votes were recorded for people who were not there on the night.

He has also accused the party of leaving ballot boxes unattended for around an hour.

John Perry was one of four people to contest the Sligo/Leitrim selection convention, which was held in Drumshanbo two months ago, but left the Mayflower ballroom as one of the two unsuccessful candidates.

In opening his case before the High Court this afternoon, his barrister claimed votes were cast by people who were not entitled to and that votes were recorded for people who were not there on the night.

He claims a sister of one of the candidates was seen placing a number of votes in a ballot box, and that the box itself was left unattended on two occasions.

He has also accused somebody on Fine Gael’s National Executive of not wanting him to get on the ticket.

The hearing is due to take up to three days.