Taoiseach steers clear of judges’ row with Shatter

The Taoiseach has refused to intervene in an escalating row between the judiciary and the Justice Minister, Alan Shatter, but said there were “legitimate issues” that need to be discussed.

In an indication that tensions had been brewing for some time, Enda Kenny told the Dáil that the Attorney General wrote to the chief justice on his behalf last month to assure her that the Government recognised that the judiciary’s independence was “indispensable”.

Mr Shatter came under criticism from opposition politicians following his clash with the judiciary over a number of issues which they claim undermine their independence.