THE Minister for Justice has indicated that she does not expect to continue in the post after the next general election.
Mrs Owen told prison officers at yesterday's conference that she thought this might be her last address to them, and that she expected another minister would address the conference next year.
She said that while it would be for the Taoiseach to allocate portfolios in the event of the Coalition's reelection, the previous pattern had been for justice ministers to change position after one term. "I've had a tremendous time in justice, sometimes very difficult, but very satisfying."
The Minister's address was warmly received and afterwards the POA president, Mr Michael Lawton, asked delegates to join him in paying tribute to her efforts over the last 2 1/2 years.
Delegates applauded when he said she should be thanked for introducing legislation which increased penalties for the use of syringes as offensive weapons.
