The outgoing Chief Justice, Mr Justice Keane, sat for the last time in a packed Supreme Court yesterday as tributes were paid by leading lawyers to his achievements in some 50 years of service in the courts.
Among those who attended the hour-long service were his partner, Ms Irene Garavan, his estranged wife Terry and their two daughters, Madeline and Justine.
Mr Justice Keane's career saw him progress from being called to the Bar, to being a High Court judge, to becoming a member of the Supreme Court, to the position of Chief Justice in 2000.
In acknowledging the tributes the Chief Justice referred to the recent death of his son Tim. He said his son "was taken from us so suddenly and tragically. We know his gentle spirit is looking down on us today and may he rest in peace."
The tributes were led by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Finnegan, who said his career at the bar was distinguished at every stage. His report on the 1981 Stardust disaster was a model and set the standards for future inquiries.
His membership of the Law Reform Commission was also distinguished and in several reports, he had told people not what the law is but what it ought to be. He had delivered many judgments that would be enduring. He possessed all those qualities of commitment and service which were part of the make up of a great judge, humanity, modesty and tolerance, Mr Justice Finnegan said.
The Attorney General, Mr Rory Brady SC, said the Chief Justice had made an immense contribution to the Irish legal system both as a trial judge and a judge of the Supreme Court. As President of the Law Reform Commission from 1987 to 1992 he had been prolific in the numbers of reports that were produced.
Mr Conor Maguire SC, chairman of the Bar Council, thanked the Chief Justice for his service to the members of the Bar. The position of Chief Justice was a demanding one and combined the skills and abilities required of a judge with the administrative skills required to run the courts.
Tributes were also paid on behalf of the Law Society of Ireland and the Courts Service.
Carol Coulter, Legal Affairs Correspondent, writes:
The Government will agree to nominate a new Chief Justice at its meeting tomorrow amid fevered speculation in both political and legal circles. It is understood the matter has been discussed by the Cabinet, and four names were mentioned, but Ministers have been asked to reflect further before the final decision.
The name most frequently mentioned is that of Mr Justice Murray, appointed to the Supreme Court from the European Court of Justice. He has a long association with Fianna Fáil, and served twice as Attorney General. He would bring European as well as Irish experience to the job, which will be important as much Irish legislation now has its origins in Europe. His political connections also make him the strongest contender.
However Mr Justice Finnegan also has Fianna Fáil connections and would be a popular choice with both branches of the legal profession. He qualified as a solicitor before becoming a barrister and has a reputation as a both courteous and efficient president of the High Court.
Other names understood to have been mentioned at Cabinet were those of Mr Justice Fennelly and Mrs Justice Denham. Mr Justice Fennelly is a former judge of the European Court of Justice and is highly regarded as a fine jurist. The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, was his pupil when he entered the Bar. He is associated with Fine Gael, but his links with Mr McDowell may modify that negative effect.
Mrs Denham was seen as a strong contender the last time, when Mr Justice Keane was nominated. She helped steer the judiciary through major reform of the courts system in recent years.