Tristan ruling a reminder that all children have indisputable rights

IT’S NOT often that a judge manages to say something that makes us all feel good about ourselves.

Tristan ruling a reminder that all children have indisputable rights

So hats off to Justice John McMenamin, who issued a wise and compassionate judgment in the case of Tristan Dowse, the young Indonesian boy adopted by an Irish couple who decided not to continue with the adoption. Not only was the judgment widely welcomed and applauded last week, it seemed to generate a real sense of satisfaction. We were all clapping ourselves on the back, because the system worked and the child's best interests were genuinely addressed.

All of the people who welcomed the judgement made reference to the fact that it was good to see the child at the centre of the court's concern. Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern said the judgment reflected the Government's commitment to the "protection and welfare of Tristan, an Irish citizen". And he added, "We are confident that the judgment underlines the commitment of the Government and the Irish State to securing the constitutional rights of children."

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