Fine Gael and Sinn Féin ‘coalition’ block amendment to judicial bill

Fine Gael and Sinn Féin were accused of acting in “coalition” yesterday after they joined forces to stop a Fianna Fáil change to the Judicial Appointments Bill.

The two parties united at the Oireachtas Justice Committee to stop a Fianna Fáil motion on eligibility criteria as to who may apply to sit on a selection panel to choose judges into the future.

Fianna Fáil spokesman Jim O’Callaghan sought to amend the description of what a layperson is and how former practising barristers and solicitors could be adversely affected by the bill.