BUSINESSMAN AND ANTI-eviction activist Jerry Beades has launched a legal challenge against the Government’s decision to nominate Mr Justice Peter Kelly as the next President of the High Court.

In proceedings lodged in the Central Office of the High Court late this evening Mr Beades seeks various High Court orders and declarations arising from the intended appointment of Mr Justice Kelly for the position of President of the High Court.

Mr Beades alleges the judge is not suitable for the role.

The action is against Ireland, the Attorney General, the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board and the Minister for Justice and Equality.  Mr Justice Kelly is not a party to the action.

It is not known if Mr Beades will seek an injunction preventing Mr Justice Kelly from taking up the position of High Court President.

Mr Justice Kelly, who was nominated by the Government on Tuesday, is due to formally take up the post early next week.

Mr Justice Kelly, who had presided over the Commercial Court prior to his appointment to the Court of Appeal, is due to succeed Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns who sits for the final time as a judge of the superior courts on Friday.

Comments are closed as this case is before the courts.