The legal practice operated by high-profile solicitor Frank Buttimer received the highest amount in criminal legal aid payments last year, securing €709,667 (incl Vat) in fees.

A jury at the Central Criminal Court has heard that a Dublin man accused of murder rang another man to say that the brother of a shooting victim was “getting it”.

THE Opposition last night joined leading lawyers and clergy in criticising the excessive security plans for President Bush’s visit to Ireland later this week.