Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Empty phrases like "the modern way" mean absolutely nothing. There has been no compelling rationale for the changes. Deep down we know that the vast majority of Fine Gael Deputies do not agree with this Bill because it is being forced through because of the leverage of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, in the same way the DUP leveraged £1 billion from its talks with the Conservative Party. At least the £1 billion will help the people of Northern Ireland. This Bill that Deputy Ross is leveraging because of the unique position he finds himself in will damage the separation of powers and the Judiciary and will undermine the administration of justice. That is our view. In particular, the relegating of the status of the Chief Justice is inconsistent with the Chief Justice's constitutional position in leading the Judiciary. The under-representation of judges, who are uniquely placed to assess the candidates who are going to come forward for application, makes no sense whatsoever. From any perspective there should be a reasonable space allowed for genuine interrogation of this Bill. There has been no compelling rationale other than the Minister's demonising and undermining of the Judiciary for the past two years. That is what he has done in his relentless commentary. He does not talk about the Bill being modern. He talks about getting rid of insiders and of people choosing their own candidates, which I believe is very damaging to the Judiciary-----

See this speech in context