Clause 1 - Guarantee of continued judicial independence
Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill
11:00 am
Lady Lady Hermon (North Down, UUP)
I, too, welcome you to the Committee, Mr. Conway. I am delighted to see you here this morning.
I take exception to the implication of the amendment tabled by the hon. Member for Newry and Armagh (Mr. Mallon). I, too, would like to see it withdrawn for various reasons. First, I listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said, and he did not produce a shred of evidence to show that the independence of the judiciary has been called into question.
Secondly, if the hon. Gentleman had examined some of the research papers behind the review, he would have come across an interesting document on judicial appointments and training. It is significant, because it pays tribute to the courage, integrity and independence of the judiciary during the past 30 years, which we cast aside at our peril. It states:
''Over the past 30 years the role of the judiciary in Northern Ireland has been influenced by the political situation. Judges have been considered a 'legitimate target' and they have been surrounded by constant security. There have been five members of the judiciary murdered (one Supreme Court Judge, two County Court judges, two Resident Magistrates) as well as the wife of a judge and the daughter of a Resident Magistrate. Five members of the judiciary have been injured, including a Lord Chief Justice; two Resident Magistrates; one County Court Judge (seriously injured); and one Resident Magistrate (seriously wounded in a gun attack which killed his daughter). There have been a total of 18 terrorist attacks made against members of the judiciary and virtually all have been intimidated or received threats. There have been 114 attacks on court buildings and most have suffered damage...These security considerations provide a frightening disincentive for potential judicial appointees in Northern Ireland.''
The amendment tabled by the hon. Member for Newry and Armagh is contemptible because of what it implies, and I urge him to withdraw it.