Sir, – I am bemused by the arguments of those of the legal profession against the government altering judges’ pay.
Surely TDs, Senators, the gardaí, hospital consultants, county managers and senior civil servants are in positions of great responsibility too? Their roles require them to perform their duties professionally and with integrity. They are required to adhere to this professionalism even in difficult economic times when their salaries can be reviewed. I fail to see why judges should be different!
The manner in which judges’ pay is reviewed is perhaps the real issue which deserves most attention. Most would agree that the government should not be able to alter judges pay at its discretion. It would seem prudent then to establish an independent board, operating at arm’s length from the government, to periodically carry out this function.
This might provide assurance that the government of the day cannot directly interfere with judges’ pay and impair their judgment. – Yours, etc,