Flood’s move creates a stir

WHILE nobody should begrudge Mr Justice Feargus Flood the retirement that he finally confirmed yesterday, it is an understatement to say the decision has created a wave of uncertainty about the future of the inquiry that bears his name.

After six years presiding over the longest tribunal in the State’s history, Mr Justice Flood, who turns 75 next month, has more than earned his right to a quiet life. However, the manner and timing of his resignation has created a monumental headache for the Government at a time when the public finances are already coming under unprecedented strain.

With yesterday’s somewhat surprising news of his retirement with immediate effect came the revelation that the various parties who have appeared as witnesses before the tribunal have submitted legal bills totalling 21.5m, including an individual bill of almost 10.5m from the former Fianna Fáil minister, Ray Burke.