Collins writes letter to Judge in May and lectures Dáil on independent judicial system in June

Fine Gael TD for Laois Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has today (Friday), called for Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson, Niall Collins to consider his position in light of the hypocrisy he has demonstrated in attempting to influence the sentencing of a convicted drug dealer, while calling for judicial independence in the Dáil.

“In May Niall Collins wrote to a judge attempting to influence the sentencing of a convicted drug dealer and in June he lectured in Dáil Éireann on the importance of an independent judicial system. Speaking on the 6^th June on the Reform of Judicial Appointments Procedures Bill 2013, Deputy Collins said:

“Ensuring we have the best and brightest wielding the gavel, independent of political or personal pressure, is vital to the proper administration of justice in the State…”

“How credible is a Justice Spokeperson who says one thing and does another? All that I have heard from the numerous interviews Deputy Collins has given today is that he is sorry about the outcome and the backlash of his actions, but he is not sorry for having written a letter that attempts to undermine the political independence of the courts.

“Niall Collins today still fails to recognise the importance of the definite separation between legislators and the judiciary. It seems the Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson does not hold himself to the same high standard he expects of others. The plain truth of it is that there are no circumstances under which it is suitable for an elected representative to interfere in legal proceedings.

“The time has come for Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to make a full statement. A slap on the wrist for his Justice Spokesperson is simply not good enough. This incident has highlighted Niall Collins’ hypocrisy and the simple fact that there is no such thing as Fianna Fáil nua; this is the same old Fianna Fáil wink and a nod politics.

“There is no doubt whatsoever that it was wholly inappropriate for Niall Collins to involve himself in this case, and now it is completely outrageous that he cannot unequivocally accept that. Is this the way Fianna Fáil does business? Micheál Martin’s light-touch approach would suggest that the answer is yes.”