Drink-driving row - Judge’s stance is perplexing

The decision by District Judge John Neilan that he will not hear any drink-driving cases for the next six months appears to be rather out of character with the original statement which brought him into conflict with Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

The judge had intimated that he would jail convicted drink drivers for a week while he considered their sentence, a move which the minister subsequently described as unlawful.

The ensuing row revolved around whether the minister’s comments amounted to interference in the judicial process, a moot point from a disinterested view.

The upshot is that the judge has absented himself for six months from drink-driving cases, which meant the President of the District Court had to arrange special sittings in his area with another judge.

What is not a moot point, from a public point of view, is that the judge is now refusing to carry out an aspect of his job, for which he is paid.

It is perplexing that he is taking this stance on cases of drink driving, which he obviously feels very strongly about.