The AG, the State’s top lawyer, is privately acting for former company directors of one of the biggest media companies in the country — in a case which emanated from an inquiry by the ODCE, the State’s corporate watchdog.
On what planet is this appropriate? asks @RoisinShortall pic.twitter.com/3RD6J3rvuo
— Social Democrats (@SocDems) September 30, 2021
Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall
This afternoon.
Via RTÉ:
Social Democrat co-leader Róisín Shortall described the fact that the Attorney General was carrying out private legal work as a “conflict of interest”, adding it was “just stunning and multi-layered“.
She contended that Mr Gallagher could not “take off his hat as Attorney General” and then act has a different persona. She asked: “On what planet was it felt appropriate to do so?”
Deputy Shortall said the situation was “totally inappropriate”, “bizarre” and “quite extraordinary”.
Mr Varadkar said that Mr Gallagher is a “man of the highest integrity” and he was “absolutely certain” that the Attorney General would be “very careful” to avoid any perception of any conflict of interest.
AG ‘finishing out’ number of prior cases – Tánaiste (RTÉ)
Earlier…
Attorney General Paul Gallagher speaking to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee at Dublin Castle in July
This morning.
Via The Irish Times:
The Attorney General is acting in a private capacity for former directors of Independent News & Media in their dealings with High Court inspectors who are investigating the company’s affairs.
….Following questions on Wednesday from The Irish Times, it emerged that the Attorney General, Paul Gallagher, was granted permission by the Government to deal with a number of outstanding cases after his appointment.
Asked about Mr Gallagher’s continuing work on the INM case, the Government’s spokesman said: “Prior to his appointment in June 2020, the Attorney General disclosed that he had a few existing litigation commitments to complete and received the Government’s permission.”
Mr Gallagher is understood to be acting for a number of former directors in INM including one, Dr Len O’Hagan, who remains on the board of Mediahuis Ireland [current owners].
Audacious, in fairness.
AG aiding former INM directors in private capacity with High Court (Irish Times)
Unlike others at the cabinet table the AG takes a massive pay cut to serve in government. Some may do it for Kudos but as he has already served as AG he already has all the kudos and connections he needs. He even spoke at several recent hearings for the state – saving the government tens of thousands in counsel bills. It hardly matters if he is closing up some of his private cases.
Typed the barrister…
Being granted permission to continue his private business could be seen as a conflict of interest, given his belated opinion about the Merrion do. Under compliment it could be argued.
Now what if he has to give a legal opinion, in his capacity as AG on legal arguments that might arise in this, em, private business?
when barristers take the bench they have to hand over their cases. it should be the same for the AG
So you think he should have special privileges because he is really wealthy? Last time he was in office he wrote the NAMA legislation, then went back into private practice and made a load of money litigating about hat it meant, so you’ll forgive me if I can’t see his altruistic priorities.
TessFlynn is either Me h ole or leo the liar.
“Unlike others at the cabinet table the AG takes a massive pay cut to serve in government.”
So Paul Gallagher is a member of Government? Really? REALLY?
“It hardly matters if he is closing up some of his private cases.”
You are some d u m b b ot t o m
RentanAG.com
In fairness, all advice from the AG should be Independent
Boom boom!
[redacted]
Shur what of it? The Minister for Justice is out of work but getting her expenses.
“Mr Varadkar said that Mr Gallagher is a “man of the highest integrity” and he was “absolutely certain” that the Attorney General would be “very careful” to avoid any perception of any conflict of interest.”
Didn’t work then.
‘You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’
In no other country would this happen except a banana Republic. But sure it will be grand so.. Leo says so. GUBU
‘Replying to a question from Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall, Mr Varadkar said the Cabinet was aware of this fact “in a general sense”, but he was not sure if it required a formal decision or if legal advice was secured.’
Now where would he be thinking of getting that ‘legal advice’. Surely the AG would provide it. Oh wait – conflict of interest there.
He’s doing all right for himself:
https://www.ontheditch.com/inside-the-landlord-attorney-generals-property-portfolio/
Mind you, he shouldn’t be taking on too much as it might lead to more bouts of forgetfulness:
https://twitter.com/RoryHearne/status/1444009542803677186