An election row in the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) has led to proceedings in the High Court.

National elections were held earlier this year. ICA elections are determined by a single vote cast by each local branch, known as guilds, irrespective of the size of the guild.

While some of the hustings were delayed by the snow in early March, all were completed by the end of March, with a 28 April deadline for return of ballots.

During the course of the election, concerns arose as to the distribution of ballot papers. An EGM was held, and it was agreed to set aside that ballot, and issue fresh ballot papers. At the AGM in late May, it was announced that the second ballot was also being set aside, and that a third attempt would be made to conclude national elections.

Last Friday, an ex-parte injunction was sought by ICA member Patricia Madden to prevent the destruction of the ballot papers. It is unclear if the court action pertains to the first or second ballot.

The matter is scheduled to be back before the court on 15 June.