Commission chief rejects concerns on referendum

THE head of the referendum commission has dismissed claims that possible changes to judges’ pay could interfere with the judiciary’s independence.

Retired judge, Dr Bryan McMahon, also shot down the idea that a court challenge could be mounted against the proposed new powers for Oireachtas members, which is the subject of the second referendum.

Launching a public information campaign for the referenda yesterday, the commission said the cost of advertisements, pamphlets and its work could reach €2.25 million.