Judges told by Taoiseach to respect political powers

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned two of Ireland’s most senior judges that they must respect the independence of Government to perform its duties, insisting separation of powers between the groups works both ways.

Mr Varadkar hit back at the judiciary after Chief Justice Susan Denham and High Court President Peter Kelly became embroiled in a damaging row with Transport Minister Shane Ross over Government plans to reform judge appointments.

In a speech to the Dublin Solicitors’ Bar Association on Friday night, Mr Justice Peter Kelly took aim at Mr Ross’s Judicial Appointments Bill, which is expected to be passed by the Dáil this week, describing it as “ill-conceived” and “ill- advised”.