Judicial appointments row rumbles on

The government’s facing more controversy over the judicial appointments issue.

The President of the High Court has criticised reforms being pushed by Minister Shane Ross as “ill advised”.
In comments made at a Bar Association event, Mr Justice Peter Kelly criticised the speed of reforms to the way judges are appointed.

He said the decision to fast-track the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill was “ill conceived” and “ill advised”.

It’s seen as a criticism of Transport Minister Shane Ross, who’s been pushing the reform agenda in this area.

The Independent Alliance minister wants non-legal members to have the majority say on the appointments commission.

But Minister Ross has rejected suggestions the Bill is being rushed through.

He’s told the Sunday Independent that he has huge respect for Mr Justice Kelly, but is sorry the judge has “entered the political arena” with his comments.