The standoff between a solicitor and the judge who found her in contempt was settled yesterday after two weeks.
Judge Michael Pattwell had found Ms Marguerite Fennell in contempt when she appeared before him in a family law matter at Kanturk District Court. According to legal sources, Judge Pattwell was present by prior agreement at Fermoy District Court yesterday, as was Ms Fennell. It is understood that a form of words was proposed on one side. The judge said that these words - which have not been released to the media - were to his satisfaction. He accordingly vacated the order finding Ms Fennell in contempt.
Judge Pattwell was the only person who could vacate the order. It seems that Ms Fennell effectively purged her contempt.
Judge Pattwell said yesterday: "The matter of Ms Fennell has been resolved to my satisfaction and there will be no further comment from me."
The Southern Law Association issued a brief statement saying: "The recent dispute at Kanturk District Court has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties and the order has been vacated. The members of the Southern Law Association (SLA) are restoring their services immediately to all courts presided over by Judge Michael Pattwell."
An exchange between the judge and the solicitor during a family law case at Kanturk District Court two weeks ago resulted in Ms Fennell being led away from the court by gardai, convicted of contempt and £2. Members of the SLA refused subsequently to appear before Judge Pattwell in any court over which he was presiding. After the Kanturk sitting, an attempt was made to reach a compromise when he appeared next at Midleton District Court. This proved unsuccessful.
The judge's next sitting was at Mitchelstown District Court but no solicitor in the locality would agree to represent a client before him. Judge Pattwell, who termed the SLA action "unconstitutional", was obliged to adjourn numerous cases.
The judge is expected to preside over his next court at Cobh on Thursday.