By not referring bill to the Supreme Court, President has left door open to future challenges
President Catherine Connolly is watched by (from left) Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, Attorney General Rossa Fanning, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and secretary general to the Government John Callinan as she signs the papers appointing Ms Justice Niamh Hyland and Mr Justice Brian O’Moore to the Supreme Court. Photo: Maxwells
President Catherine Connolly has decided, and is having it both ways. Having convened the Council of State on the International Protection Bill, she ultimately decided yesterday not to refer it to the Supreme Court to have its constitutionality tested.
Two days earlier, the great and the good – from the judiciary to politicians to her own nominees – had been summoned to the Áras to apply their high minds to the provisions of the legislation.
