Former Supreme Court judge Hugh O Flaherty who was embroiled in the release of Philip Sheedy from jail has started writing a column in the Indo. His first column today says there is no need for a childrens' referendum.Flaherty along with High Court judge Cyril Kelly had to resign over the Sheedy matter, and special pension arrangements were put in place for them. No doubt in his new journalistic career he will clear up that Sheedy matter which arose from a meeting while walking his dog in a park. I am sure his new media colleagues would demand that.


No need for child rights vote, says retired judge - National News - Independent.ie


http://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&...MA4pAY7ULNUbAQ

By the way Vincent Browne, barrister and well known jurist referred to this new role for O Flaherty last night,and said the ex judge had been treated very badly when forced to step down. Not sure, but i think Vinnie may have devilled with him at some stage.

He seems to be out of the traps early as the latest tenant in the room already overfull of ultraconservative roman catholic apologists.

There's the bit about how De Valera resisted McQuaid, the central stuff about how children don't need extra protection in the constitution (despite all evidence to the contrary) and the nonsense that the provision guaranteeing that women are not forced by economic circumstances to enter the workplace is somehow a feminist statement.

And they've already got David disingenuous Quinn!

Originally Posted by Toland

... the central stuff about how children don't need extra protection in the constitution (despite all evidence to the contrary) ...

What evidence?

Where has it been shown that a child has suffered due to the provisions of the Constitution, rather than the failings of State agencies?

Ah yes, the Phillip sheedy Affair. A man who committed a hit and run, when under the influence of alcohol, and who was sentenced to prison.

Then there was lobbying to let him out early.

I believe it was this event that inspired Sumo to produce the quote "don't worry about [the Sheedy Affair], the people will have forgotten about it in three months......".

Originally Posted by borntorum

What evidence?

Where has it been shown that a child has suffered due to the provisions of the Constitution, rather than the failings of State agencies?

The failings of the state agencies might have been avoided if the legislators funding and regulating them had been bound by a clearer constitutional duty to the protection of children.

Originally Posted by Analyzer

Then there was lobbying to let him out early.

.

Nothing new about people lobbying on behalf of prisoners


"O'Dea helped 29 prisoners seeking special treatment"

According to the Irish Independent

"DEFENCE Minister Willie O'Dea facilitated almost 30 representations seeking special treatment for prisoners including a rapist, a murder suspect and a number of drug dealers."

"-- including ones seeking temporary release and a prison transfer -- related to a 44-year-old Tipperary man serving five years for raping his ex-girlfriend at knifepoint and threatening to kill her."

O'Dea helped 29 prisoners seeking special treatment - National News - Independent.ie

Originally Posted by Eoin Coir

By the way Vincent Browne, barrister and well known jurist referred to this new role for O Flaherty last night,and said the ex judge had been treated very badly when forced to step down. Not sure, but i think Vinnie may have devilled with him at some stage.

I heard that and wondered what he could possibly mean. I imagine he'll explain himself tonight.

Originally Posted by borntorum

What evidence?

Where has it been shown that a child has suffered due to the provisions of the Constitution, rather than the failings of State agencies?

Didn't the recently dead but unlamented biddy Maire Bean Ni Cribben use the Constitution to ensure children remained with their abusive parents.

Hugh O'Flaherty is a good lawyer and a decent man.

I wish him well in this phase of his career