Madam, – In her article (Opinion, December 2nd), Sarah Carey implied that I and other legal commentators who have analysed the need for a Dáil vote on the bailout have blindly accepted Government positions and represent establishment figures.
These are serious allegations against any legal professional, particularly against a figure such as Prof Gerry Whyte, author of the inspiring book, Social Inclusion and the Legal System: Public Interest Law in Ireland.My own assessment is based on a fair and realistic view of prevailing legal precedents and existing judicial philosophies. I have clearly flagged that Government implementation of the IMF recommendations will be subject to constitutional challenge. The actions of the ECB will be subject to European Union law challenge.
I am immensely proud to belong to a legal academic community in Britain and Ireland which teaches our students to reflect critically on the law and to work for those marginalised in our society, such as the Travelling community, the poor, and all those who demand accountability from government. This work starts with a clear analysis of where the law stands, how it can be used to defend universal human rights, and making visible how it can fail these groups.
The IMF bailout is a political and economic policy, the very heart of my argument is that it is not irrevocable or cast in legal stone. – Yours, etc,