Sir, – It would strike me as quite unusual that a senior member of the judiciary would speak out in public regarding his concern on the diminution of the independence of judiciary (Front page, April 15th). I have to think that a senior member of the judiciary would not take such a step unless he or she had fairly well grounded concerns that a diminution of the independence of the judiciary was not a good thing for democracy.
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter claims that such public comments undermine our international business reputation, but he misses the point that a very senior member of the judiciary raising this issue should enhance our international business reputation.
Mr Shatter argues he has a reform agenda but I would argue the public perception will be that he is over-zealous in his reformation plans at the expense of an independent judiciary. – Yours, etc,
PERCY BOLAND,
Sandymount Avenue,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4 .
Sir, – If a Government minister voiced strong public criticism of the judiciary it would be regarded as an outrageous breach of the “separation of powers” and his/her immediate resignation would be demanded. Shall we now see resignations from the senior ranks of the judiciary?
This row does, however, support the case for change in the system of appointment of judges as the current “political patronage” methodology appears to be of questionable reliability. – Yours, etc,
PETER MOLLOY,
Haddington Park,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – What we are seeing being played out here is a constitutional crisis. It is extremely serious. – Yours, etc,
JOHN B REID,
Knapton Road,
Monkstown, Co Dublin.
Sir, – The row between Minister for Justice Alan Shatter and the judiciary has taken on a life of its own. It seems to me the judges have suddenly discovered a strident voice following the referendum to allow the Government cut judicial pay. The judges speak of separation of powers and their independence, yet they feel they should be consulted on certain new legislation. Is there not a contradiction there ?
There was also an uncalled for reference to “civil servants” in regard to new role for county registrars who are legal people and trained solicitors. They also say they don’t mind taking cuts like every other sector, but let us remember they did not break any speed limits in their rush to take a voluntary cut, hence the need for a referendum which was supported by about 80 per cent of the population. I agree with the judges about an independent board to set their pay, and probably benchmark it with their EU counterparts. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN CAFFERTY,
Ballina, Co Mayo.