Statement by the Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Susan Denham
July 25th, 2011
I am very honoured to have been appointed to the position of Chief Justice. It is an
office with heavy duties and responsibilities. I am very conscious of the distinguished
men who have held the position previously, it will be a challenge, and I will do my
best.
I look forward to continue working with my colleagues in the Supreme Court, and
with all my friends and colleagues throughout the judiciary.
In this time of national financial crisis it is particularly important that the three
branches of government retain their integrity and strength and work together for the
benefit of Ireland. I look forward to working with the Government, in accordance
with constitutional conventions, in the years ahead.
In particular the time has now come to develop a Judicial Council in Ireland, to
support the Judiciary in their difficult task, whilst providing assurance to the public
that all judges maintain our traditional high judicial standards;
with the growth in the number and complexity of cases coming before the Supreme
Court and the Court of Criminal Appeal, the State would be well served by a Court of
Appeal; and we need to develop a 21st century infrastructure for the Judiciary of
Ireland.
One of the important constitutional conventions to which I have referred is that judges
refrain from engaging in matters of public controversy or political debate. In a world
of instant communication and commentary the concept of silence may seem unusual
but it is an inherent part of our democratic tripartite system of government.
Indeed, in these difficult times the need for an institution of independence and
thoughtfulness, with an obligation to maintain the rule of law, is greater than ever.
We are living through a national crisis, and while we can be thankful that our children
and grandchildren are not going off to war, and that famine is not stalking the land,
we are in the midst of a financial storm which has shaken families throughout the
country, and imposed enormous stresses upon individuals, families, and communities.
We shall persevere and prosper, but judges are very aware of the current crisis as the
effects of the financial storm come before our courts every day: a trail of tragedy,
fraught families, separating spouses, lost jobs, homes under siege, serious financial
woes, companies being wound up, and stories of millions and billions of euros lost in
the ether. In these areas, as in all others, it is critically important that judges
administer justice and give an independent decision.
Judges are not immune from the effects of the economic crisis. Judges are not, nor
have they ever been, opposed to playing their part in sharing the financial pain
required of everyone in this difficult time. In particular, the judiciary has never
opposed, and does not oppose, a referendum
The people of Ireland have been well served by the judiciary since the State was
founded. This tradition continues in these troublesome times.
It is an honour to serve in the third branch of the Government of Ireland, with such
colleagues, and to hold the position of Chief Justice.
