TDs discuss rules for lobbying judges

A CODE of conduct for politicians on making representations to the judiciary in legal cases will be discussed at a meeting between government and opposition parties tonight.

The attempt to draw up all-party guidelines on the practice of writing character references follows controversy over Labour TD, Kathleen Lynch, who wrote to a judge in a rape case.

A protest was held outside the Labour Party offices in Dublin yesterday over Ms Lynch’s representation to a judge in the rape trial of Trevor Casey (31) from Fairhill in Cork, who was sentenced last week to 14 years on eight counts of rape. Ms Lynch, who has since apologised, said in her letter that Casey’s parents were decent people.

The meeting between party whips this evening follows a proposal by Environment Minister, John Gormley, to draw up guidelines.

It also comes after Casey’s two rape victims, who are sisters, said they would write to all party leaders demanding new rules for politicians writing character references.

The Labour party and Ms Lynch herself have both said they are in favour of such guidelines.

A similar code of conduct was called for in 2002 when it emerged that former PD junior minister, Bobby Molloy, made representations to a judge in a rape case.

The group who gathered outside the Labour offices yesterday held placards calling on Ms Lynch to resign.

One protester issued a statement saying they were not part of any group or organisation, but had come together as “concerned citizens” who heard about the protest through a text message campaign.

“Ms Lynch’s actions were an absolute disgrace and an abuse of her political power. We feel she should be ashamed of herself and should immediately resign,” the statement said.