Political leaders divided over future of Supreme Court Judge Seamus Woulfe after golfgate
IRELAND’S political leaders are divided over what the Dail should do about the future of underfire Supreme Court Judge Seamus Woulfe.
Leaders from every political grouping in the Dail met today to debate whether they should impeach the golfgate judge.
Chief Justice Frank Clarke has asked the former Attorney General to resign due to the controversy that arose from his attendance at the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner earlier this year.
Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary, EU Commission Phil Hogan and Leas Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Jerry Buttimer were all forced to resign from their positions after attending the 80 person hotel dinner despite Covid-19 restrictions on socialising.
Justice Woulfe has refused to resign which has left Ireland’s politicians with the decision of whether to sack the supreme court judge.
A judge from Ireland’s top court can only leave their position through resignation or impeachment - a process that has never been done in Ireland before.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin called a meeting of all Ireland’s political leaders to try and get a consensus on what action the Dail should take.
However, after two hours of discussions, political leaders are still divided on whether an impeachment process should be started.
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A bid to impeach Judge Woulfe would be a long and difficult affair for the Government which would see the motion go through both Houses of the Oireachtas and would be open to legal challenges.
Speaking after the meeting, Labour leader Alan Kelly claimed the opposition parties will now get legal advice on the issue and a second meeting of leaders will be held next week.
Speaking after the meeting, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said Justice Woulfe should step down to “save everybody the distraction and the problems that have been created.”