The Government is under mounting pressure after Supreme Court Justice Seamus Woulfe refused to resign over the Golfgate dinner.
This afternoon, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil warned TDs to watch what they say about Mr Justice Woulfe.
Sean O Fearghail warned TDs may be called on to adjudicate on the issue in the future given the impasse in the courts.
Chief Justice Frank Clarke has said he believes Mr Justice Woulfe should resign.
Seamus Woulfe has refused.
Ceann Comhairle giving a warning to TDs at the start of Dáil business that in any commentary on the business of the courts they must be aware they may be called on to be involved in a process (of impeachment) later on
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 10, 2020
Sinn Féin's Justice Spokesman Martin Kenny says lands the issue back with politicians.
Deputy Kenny says he recognises the issue is "fraught with difficulties" but his party can't step away from it.
"The judiciary has made it clear they have a huge problem with the way in which he dealt with the process."
Law Lecture Warns Situation Could Set A "Difficult Precedent"
Meanwhile, Attorney General Paul Gallagher has warned ministers of the "serious constitutional issues" raised by the situation.
He warned that he controversy raises concerns over the separation of powers of each of the organs of the State as set out in the Constitution.
Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy echoed his concerns:
"There's a very good reason this hasn't happened before, it's because of the separation of powers."
Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy says a process of removing a judge is so untested that there might need to be full committee hearings to investigate the issue first - including potentially bringing Seamus Woulfe in for a chance to account for himself. @VirginMediaNews pic.twitter.com/rOEVfZPRmF
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) November 10, 2020
Elsewhere, law lecturer Dr Patrick O’Brien says it's a difficult situation to resolve as it could set a "difficult precedent."
"Should it be possible to remove a judge for being a difficult personality?"
"That seems to be too low a bar," he said.
