Joe Higgins – rebel without a cause

AN English jurist once said that the law is no more than a set of commands from the ruler to the ruled. The laws of this country are made by the Houses of the Oireachtas, which we must obey.

If we do not, we commit a crime against the community as it was the representatives of the community, our TDs, who made the laws in the first instance. These laws are recognised as binding by the community. Enforcement of the body of rules is through a controlling authority, the courts.

The judge, in relation to Joe Higgins, used the word “outrageous,” and I would add the word reprehensible. He is now a prison guest of the state rather than a lawmaker for it. He has set aside his duties and obligations as a lawmaker. He is, in effect, a lawbreaker.

In a democracy it is important that the courts should be able to enforce its contracts. Those who transgress it in such a high profile manner as Joe Higgins did in defying a High Court order (contempt) deserve severe punishment. Otherwise we have a classic example of anarchy.

I would like to know what principle is being defended? Joe Higgins is a rebel without a cause.

Sean Hassett,

12, The Crescent,

Beaumont Drive,

Ballintemple,

Cork.