Deputy McGrath: 'The office of the Attorney General must be absolutely independent.'

Mc Grath's concern over Attorney General deal

Tipperary TD, Mattie Mc Grath, has slammed the government for establishing a special arrangement for the Attorney General, so that he can continue working in private litigation, despite the conflict of interest.

Challenging the Taoiseach to explain and make a public statement on this matter, the leader of the Rural Independent group, Deputy Mc Grath stated: “The office of the Attorney General must be absolutely independent, seen to be independent and free from distraction, due to the national importance and crucial role of the office.

“The Attorney General has a crucial role in vindicating the rights of citizens and in maintaining the highest standards in the legal profession, while also acting as a conduit between the judiciary and other branches of government.

“The astonishing revelation that the government established a special arrangement to allow the new Attorney General, Mr Paul Gallagher, to continue with his private litigation work, in tandem with his public role, completely undermines the office of the Attorney General and the public good.”