Fianna Fáil ‘will not back down’ over judicial appointments

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has warned his party will not back down on demands to ensure judges continue to control how they are appointed — throwing the future of the Fine Gael-led Government it supports into fresh doubt.

The opposition leader firmly outlined the situation last night in a move that is likely to further destabilise the confidence and supply deal between Ireland’s two largest parties.

Under plans pushed by Independent Alliance TD and Transport Minister Shane Ross in recent weeks, Cabinet yesterday agreed to put forward a new bill in January radically reforming how judges are appointed.