Scales of justice

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell has a firm conviction about the independence of institutions which are responsible for the administration of justice.

However, accountability is just as important. Justice must be seen to be done, but very often the system leaves a lot to be desired.

We have seen inconsistent sentencing, files sent to the DPP's office that seem to stay filed away, and a lack of gardai on the streets at night. It's time for a radical overhaul of the system with accountability built in at all levels.