The Government has appointed Mrs Justice Susan Denham as Chief Justice of Ireland. This is a welcomed appointment, Justice Denham's appointment is to be welcomed not simply because she is the first woman to hold the post, but because she has the merit to hold the post, she applies the law in a way that is fair and transparent, not politically driven. Justice Denham has been addressing serious and important legal issues for over two decades and has carried that duty with dignity and fairness.
The first woman to be appointed to the role, she takes over from the Hon. Mr Justice John L. Murray.
In a statement this evening, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said President McAleese had been informed and would “make the appointment in accordance with Constitutional procedures.”
A daughter of Douglas Gageby, the former editor of The Irish Times , Mrs. Justice Denham was educated at Alexandra College, Dublin; Trinity College; King’s Inns and Columbia University, New York. She was called to the Bar in 1971 and became a Senior Counsel in 1987.
Appointed a Judge of the High Court in 1991, in December 1992 she was the first woman appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Labour TD Anne Ferris said the appointment of Mrs Justice Denham was an important step in the reform of the judicial system.
"Justice Denham was pivotal in creating the court services system which led to significant changes in the organisation of the courts and support services for the judiciary," she said.
"I also think the message that the appointment sends out is one that states that women will not excluded from achieving high office."
Fianna Fáil justice spokesperson Dara Calleary also welcomed the appointment.
"Susan Denham is most deserving of the honour of becoming the first female Chief Justice. She has an impressive record of reform and transformation both legally and within the operations of the courts service," he said.
