Mick Clifford: Jim O’Callaghan’s political ambitions are distracting from Ireland’s justice crisis

Mick Clifford argues that legal aid disruption and Garda whistleblower concerns demand attention despite the minister’s political ambitions

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan and Taoiseach Micheál Martin: When Ireland's EU presidency ends, the race to succeed Martin begins. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

Jim O’Callaghan is a man in a hurry. There are just 90 more sleeps before the curtain comes down on Ireland’s EU presidency. At that point, the race to succeed Micheál Martin begins. It may not happen quickly but the current Taoiseach’s departure could be sudden. 

Any controversy, bad opinion poll or row will be amplified because everybody knows the Cork man will be on the bend for home. Big Jim needs to be ready.