Legal

McDowell asked President to refer controversial bill to Supreme Court

Senator’s opposition to judicial appointments bill relates to composition of proposed commission to appoint judges

Michael McDowell SC said he had no comment to make on sending the letter about the judicial appointments bill to President Higgins, but confirmed that it was sent earlier this month. Picture: Collins Courts

Independent senator Michael McDowell penned a 15-page letter to President Michael D Higgins earlier this month, asking him to refer a controversial bill to the Supreme Court.

McDowell, who has publicly spoken out about what he regards as serious issues in the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, sent the letter in early October shortly after the bill went to President Higgins to be signed.

The President convened a Council of State meeting last week on whether ...