Barristers agreed to act for McBreartys

TOP lawyers had agreed to represent the McBreartys, the family at the centre of allegations of Garda corruption in Co Donegal, following an approach from Mr Justice Frederick Morris.

Justice Morris, chair of the Morris Tribunal, revealed a number of senior barristers had agreed to give legal support to the McBrearty’s, who are key witnesses at the inquiry.

In fiercely heated exchanges with Frank McBrearty junior, Mr Justice Morris said the unprecedented step was taken because he felt it was incumbent on him to do what he could to help the family.

Mr Justice Morris said the family’s legal team had been written to in a bid to find out if barristers intended to return to the inquiry, or if they objected to other lawyers taking up the role.

“Time and again during the course of the Tribunal, you in particular, and other members of your family, have said they find themselves at a disadvantage before the Tribunal in as much as they are not represented by lawyers,” Mr Justice Morris said.

“You have requested me to help you and you have made submissions to me that without a lawyer you were being denied justice.”

Mr Justice Morris said there was a proud tradition in the Bar of not allowing litigants to go unrepresented simply because of a lack of funds.

But as he became increasingly angered he said it simply was not the case that other lawyers would not represent the Raphoe family at the inquiry.

“There are a number of lawyers that will take your instruction if you are prepared to employ them,” Mr Justice Morris went on.

“You have told me time and time again that you can’t get a lawyer to represent you, but now I know this is not the case.”

The McBreartys have represented themselves at the inquiry since being refused legal aid.

Mr Justice Morris was responding to reports that he had approached lawyers, but denied using underhand methods to secure legal representation for the family.