McAleese opens courts complex

President Mary McAleese found herself in front of a judge today – as she opened the multi million criminal courts complex in Dublin.

She was joined by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern and the Chief Justice John L Murray at the ceremony to officially mark the completion of the state of the art building on the outskirts of Phoenix Park.

The Parkgate Street complex has already begun hearing cases.

But the opening was not without controversy as a number of local residents picketed outside.

They are angry that the new building has been erected by the Government while a planned regeneration project in the nearby O’Devaney Gardens flats complex has stalled.