Judge Mary Martin has always been outspoken and is noted for her campaigning on domestic violence, public order issues, and reform of the family law courts, writes Christine Newman.
The judge has often caused a furore by her forthright remarks but this has never stopped her from speaking out on issues she feels strongly about.
Judge Martin was among the first group of women to be appointed to the District Court more than 20 years ago and was also one of the youngest. She had previously worked as a solicitor in the family practice before taking up her position on the bench in the midlands.
One of her primary causes has been domestic violence. She was quoted as saying: "I have seen broken bones on women and children, dreadful marks and bruises, physical and mental scars. Domestic violence is very prevalent in this country and men find it hard to understand that they do not have the right to hit, control, rape, abuse physically, sexually or mentally, or manipulate their partners."
In November 2004, while launching an art exhibition in Nenagh, she described the family law court system as a "cold, crude and cruel" environment. She called for urgent reforms, including special training for judges and more information for the public on what goes on in such courts.
Another of her causes has been public order. She has refused many applications for exemptions for licensed premises and has criticised decisions to overturn her rulings.
In November 2004, speaking at the launch of Carlow/Kilkenny Drug Awareness week, Judge Martin said she felt alcohol was the biggest drug problem facing Ireland.
In March 2002 she made headlines when she warned in Portlaoise District Court of drug "anarchy" in the town if support services were not put in place.
In July 1997, she caused a real storm when she told a 13- year-old boy that if she sent him to St Patrick's Institution as punishment for a series of break- ins, he would be locked up for 23 hours and raped every night, which, she said, happened.
She was trying to encourage the youth to accept the offer of a an assessment at Oberstown House in Lusk, Co Dublin. He agreed.
Judge Martin and Judge Michael Patwell were sharply criticised by members of the Seanad in July 1996. The two judges had warned that it would be "inevitable" after the killing of Veronica Guerin that a judge would be assassinated due to the increase in violent crime. Both had received threats.
She suspended one court session for a quirky reason. In June this year, she ordered a young woman to cover up after she refused to deal with what she described as "partial nakedness" in her courtroom.