Sir, - Judges are flawed and fallible like the rest of us. It should come as no surprise that social contacts influence the law. They also influence medicine and all other businesses where relationships have a role. Attempts to interfere in the severity of sentences are commonplace among politicians. How many sentences have the various Ministers for Justice amended over the years, unknown to the public? Cant and posturing from politicians and journalists on this issue should be kept in perspective. In the administration of justice, the revolving door in Mountjoy is famous.
I have known Judge Cyril Kelly since 1968. He is a gregarious character, full of life. He is most certainly not a bore or a pompous ass - a plus in my book. As a judge, his performance in Court 14 of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court dealing with horrendous cases of sex abuse, drug-dealing and violence was by common consent commendably fair and just. The evidence which he and juries had to hear included much that I would personally take measures to avoid even reading about.
Exposure of irregularities in the administration of justice is likely to lead to improvements. Social and class issues, accessibility and cost are areas which urgently need action. Much of the tenor of Nell McCafferty's reports from the District Courts published more than a decade ago in "In the eyes of the law" remains valid.
Making judges accountable for their decisions is a first step in professional quality assurance. But considerable leeway must be left for the unpredictability of the issues which arise in the courts.- Yours, etc.,
Dr Bill Tormey, Glasnevin Avenue, Dublin 11.