Woulfe controversy: How wide should the gap be between politicians and the judiciary?

Need for more specific guidelines on the grey areas around socialising and a judge’s private life

Seamus Woulfe: Is it appropriate for the attorney general, having worked so close to government, to immediately become a member of the judiciary? Picture: Maxwells

In the controversy surrounding Judge Seamus Woulfe and the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner, there are two aspects of his conduct that have come under scrutiny.

First, as with other attendees, his failure to adhere to public health advice has been criticised. But secondly, and unique to Judge Woulfe, it has been asked if it was appropriate for him, as a judge, to attend this event at all.