Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The European Court of Human Rights Mathieu Nivelles via Flickr/Creative Commons

Ireland needs to send a new judge to the European Court of Human Rights

Our current judge, Ann Power-Forde SC, will have to step down from the role in 2017.

THE GOVERNMENT IS looking for a new Irish judge to travel to Strasbourg and work with the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

A lawmaker is nominated by Government, who will then seek election for the role at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe at its session in April 2015.

But hang on, don’t go reaching for your CV just yet.

Applicants must be “of high moral character and must either possess the qualifications required for appointment to high judicial office or be jurisconsults of recognised competence”.

The job listing adds that the judge must not get up to anything that could conflict with their role during their nine years in office.

The ECtHR was established in 1959, and was given further effect in Irish law in 2003.

The current judge with respect to Ireland is Ann Power-Forde, who assumed her position in 2008. She was appointed Senior Counsel two years previous.

Her term will expire in 2017.

Previous judges elected with respect to Ireland are John Hedigan (1998-2007), Brian Walsh (1980-1998), Philip O’Donoghue (1971-1980), Conor Alexander Maguire (1965-1971), and Richard McGonigal (1959-1964).

Earlier this year, the ECtHR found in favour of Louise O’Keeffe in her case against the Irish state, making it liable for the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her primary school principal.

However, last month she said he’s been “very disappointed” by the State’s response.

Read: European court rules against Irish murderers fighting life sentences >

More: Here’s why France’s burqa ban ‘does not violate human rights’ >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
14 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds