Curtin crisis: judge hit by psychiatric condition

CIRCUIT Court Judge Brian Curtin is suffering from a psychiatric condition and is unable to instruct his solicitors, it emerged last night.

The latest surprise development throws the impending impeachment of Judge Curtin into confusion again just as the Cabinet was due to agree on a motion to put impeachment proceedings against him in train.

According to a letter received by the Government on Friday afternoon, the Judge is no longer able to instruct his legal team.

A Government spokesman said the letter, from Judge Curtin’s solicitors, states “their client denies any impropriety”.

“It also states that their client is suffering from a psychiatric condition for which he is receiving treatment and this is making it difficult for them to receive instructions from him,” the spokesman said.

In addition, Judge Curtin’s solicitors demanded to see any motion to set up an Oireachtas Committee to investigate him before it is considered by the Dáil.

Prior to the latest development, the Cabinet were to consider a motion today to set up a committee to investigate the allegations against Judge Curtin.

The committee was to then present its report before the Oireachtas where all Dáil and Seanad members were to vote on whether or not to impeach.

However, with the Government now indicating more time will be needed to deal with the issues raised by the latest communication from Judge Curtin’s legal team the course of action is uncertain.

There will also be renewed speculation as to whether Judge Curtin’s psychiatric condition might provide grounds to remove him from the bench. Justice Minister Michael McDowell has previously stated the Government would be citing “stated misbehaviour” as the Constitutional grounds for removing the Judge from his position.

It remained unclear last night whether incapacity, on mental grounds, could also be explored as another reason for the Government to remove Judge Curtin from the bench.

Government sources last night called for cross-party consensus on the issue saying all relevant matters will be discussed at today’s Cabinet meeting.

But Labour leader Pat Rabbitte called on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to make a clear statement on the matter before the Dáil convenes today.

“If the Taoiseach Genuinely wants the support of the Oireachtas on the delicate and complex business of removing a member of the judiciary he should ensure that all members of the Oireachtas are in possession of the full information,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny called on Mr McDowell to explain his role in the appointment of Judge Curtin.