The Law Society of Ireland has defended its stance on proposed legislation which would introduce plain packaging for all tobacco products amid accusations that it has sided with tobacco manufacturers on the issue.

The director general of the Law Society has joined calls for a major overhaul of judicial appointments to ensure the system is free of political bias.

High on the list of qualities people expect of judges are fairness and balance in measuring out justice, a large dose of common sense in the verdicts they hand down, and a level playing field in their appointment.