Clause 3 - Duty of Commission to secure judiciary reflective of the community
Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]
2:45 pm
Mr Andrew Hunter (Basingstoke, Independent Conservative)
Changes in society are reflected, as all institutions evolve over time. My objection is to the imposition of change through legislation. No further legislation is needed because of the balance that already exists in the Northern Ireland judiciary. Of course, as society changes over time, all institutions will reflect that. My quarrel is with legislation imposing a requirement for change.
Having addressed that point, I shall make a final observation to the Minister. Although I do not expect it to happen, it is imperative that the Government reconsider and reflect on the provisions contained in lines 24 to 38 of clause 3. We certainly support a system of transparent, open and fair judicial appointment that is free from political motivation and politicisation, but I do not believe that such objectives can be achieved unless those lines are withdrawn from the Bill.