Barristers threaten industrial action

Criminal cases could grind to a halt as barristers threaten strike action in state prosecutions as part of a long-running row over fees.

The Bar Council has been appealing for higher fees for barristers after they were cut during the financial crisis, but the threat of withdrawing services marks a serious escalation in the dispute.

Bar (Council) of Ireland chief executive Ciara Murphy wrote last month to the Director of Public Prosecutions to ...