Mr Justice Cyril Kelly, the judge involved in the current controversy surrounding the partial suspension of the four-year sentence of architect, Philip Sheedy, is regarded in legal circles as an able and intelligent judge. Although appointed by a Fianna Fail-led coalition, this was not considered to affect his objectivity and judgment.
He was first appointed a Circuit Court judge by the then Taoiseach, Mr Albert Reynolds, in 1992. However, according to one legal source, there was some surprise at his appointment as he is "not a professional Fianna Fail camp follower. He was not one of the fashionable barristers."
He is married to a solicitor, Ms Patricia McNamara.
Although from Armagh, Mr Justice Kelly attended Clongowes Wood College before studying in UCD. He worked on the Donegal circuit for years before continuing his practice in Dublin.
As a Circuit Court judge he dealt primarily with criminal cases, where, according to another barrister, he "did a first-class job. Everyone acknowledges that."
Among the cases he heard was that of the paedophile priest Brendan Smyth, where he was praised for the time and attention he gave to the case, and the care and courtesy with which he dealt with the witnesses.
"He is courteous and bright. He knows the law. A delight to appear before," said a barrister who appeared before him in the High Court. "It's a pity a lot more can't be as good as him."
Given the professional respect in which he is held, lawyers in daily contact with judges find this episode incomprehensible. "It's very odd," said one. "It doesn't make any sense."