Michael McDowell: ‘Personal agenda’ behind Shane Ross move on judicial appointments

Former justice minister Michael McDowell has attacked Transport Minister Shane Ross, claiming his desire to reform how judges are appointed stems from a “personal agenda”.

Now a senator and formerly an attorney general, Mr McDowell took issue with government proposals to ensure a lay majority and lay chairperson sit on a new body which will recommend the promotion of judges.

He said the whole process was a “whitewash” as the Government would still have the final say on who gets promoted to the bench or higher courts.