Govt's referendum on judges' pay 'a populist move'

A retired district court judge has said that, while he will not object to proposals to cut the judiciary's pay, a referendum on the issue is "probably a populist move".

The Justice Minister Alan Shatter yesterday announced a vote on the issue later this year.

If passed, it would result in salary reductions for both existing and newly appointed judges in line with similar reductions in the public service.

Judge Michael Pattwell was asked this morning if he could see a situation arising in the future where the Government would cut judges' pay in reaction to a judicial decision they were not happy with.

Mr Pattwell said: "The way the current government is comprised, I couldn't have seen it with past governments, but there are people that are very close to the seat of power who I would not trust.

"They have no problem in being apologists for people who bombed and shot. The people can judge for themselves."