Greens criticise Ahern over new Justice Bill

A potential rift is opening up between the Green Party and Fianna Fáil over the controversial Criminal Justice Amendment Bill.

In the Seanad last night, the two Green senators abstained in the final vote on the legislation, which was passed with the support of Fine Gael.

Senator Dan Boyle is quoted this morning as saying that the Greens are unhappy with assurances given by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern in relation to the planned review of the new law in 12 months' time.

He also acknowledges that the Greens have an "ongoing difficulty" with Mr Ahern over his attitude to the party's concerns about justice legislation.