Tributes paid to High Court President

TRIBUTES WERE paid to the retiring President of the High Court, Mr Justice Richard Johnson, at a ceremony in the Four Courts yesterday

Attorney General Paul Gallagher said Mr Justice Johnson’s legal career dated back to 1960. In 1987, he was appointed to the High Court and became president in 2006, the second-highest judicial appointment in the State. Mr Justice Johnson always dispensed his obligations with immense distinction, he said.

John D Shaw, president of the Law Society, said it was no secret it had been a difficult few years for the solicitors’ profession and the president had had to deal with many high-profile cases.

“It is vital for the reputation of the profession as a whole that solicitors who fail in their duties and who do not maintain high standards are dealt with appropriately,” Mr Shaw said. “You have not been found wanting in this regard.”

Tributes were also paid by Michael Collins SC, chairman of the Bar Council; John O’Malley, Dublin Solicitors’ Bar Association; Brendan Ryan, chief executive of the Courts Service and Kevin O’Neill, chief registrar. Earlier, the outgoing president thanked and paid tribute to his staff, the Courts Service, registrars, tip staff and all others involved in ensuring the administration of justice.

He also praised gardaí and Special Branch detectives who were doing “a tremendous job” with “very little support” against “very ruthless people” who were “waging war” on the State.