Chief Justice: Cabinet plan not ideal

New Chief Justice Frank Clarke has waded into the row over judicial appointments by criticising the Government’s planned new rules as “not ideal” and being “of concern” to judges.

In an exclusive interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Justice Clarke also rejected suggestions that the judiciary are an “insiders’ cartel” in need of breaking up.

He said the bill, which has been spearheaded by Independent Alliance minister Shane Ross, is of “concern” to members of the judiciary.