A High Court judge has disqualified himself from further hearing proceedings brought by a barrister aimed at discovering, for the purpose of libel proceedings, who is behind a controversial internet website which invites people to "rate" their lawyers and on which alleged defamatory messages have been posted.
Mr Justice Michael Hanna said he believed he should disqualify himself from hearing the matter because he personally knew a solicitor and barrister referred to in legal documents related to the case.
Mr Justice Hanna made the decision in proceedings brought by Dublin-based barrister Jayne Maguire, who claims John Gill, Drumline, Newmarket on Fergus, had posted defamatory statements about her "of the most offensive and damaging nature both personally and professionally" on the website - www.rateyoursolicitor.com.
The High Court had previously made an order directing that defamatory material be removed from the website and also made orders aimed at discovering who is behind the website in question and two other sites.
The judge made his decision yesterday after reading an affidavit from Mr Gill, which referred to a number of persons working in the legal profession.
The judge said he had knowledge of two of those mentioned, the first being a solicitor who was in college with him, although he had not spoken to that person in 30 years. The second person, a barrister, was a friend and former pupil of his.
The judge said the "highest possible standards must be maintained" by members of the judiciary. "Not only must justice be done, but justice must be seen to be done."
If he continued to hear the case, he would not only have to decide it but would also have to rule on the admissibility of Mr Gill's affidavit, he said. In order to be fair to Mr Gill, he said it was his "instinct" that he should not hear it.
Should he have to rule against Mr Gill, he did not want him to take exception to his decision, he added.
Mr Gill denies any involvement with the website. He has alleged that Ms Maguire had told him a colleague had posted the material complained of.
Mr Gill told the judge he had no problem with the judge disqualifying himself from further hearing the proceedings. "I just want to get justice," he said.
The proceedings were adjourned.