We shouldn't take the cab rank rule for granted in Ireland's justice system

In a democracy everyone has the right to legal representation — even murderers, and, yes, banks

It would be ludicrous to interpret their provision of legal services as somehow constituting an endorsement of behaviour. Picture: iStock

The greatest perk of being elected president of Ireland is getting to spend seven years living rent free in the 95-room Áras an Uachtaráin.

It is, therefore, appropriate that two key moments of the presidential campaign have involved residential property, most notably Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin ending his campaign over a failure to return for 16 years an accidental rent overpayment of €3,300 by a former tenant.