Published on 

Government nominates Ms. Justice Mary Irvine for appointment as the President of the High Court

At its meeting today, the Government nominated the Hon. Ms. Justice Mary Irvine for appointment as President of the High Court by the President of Ireland.

A vacancy for the role of President of the High Court will arise following the retirement of the current President, the Hon. Mr. Justice Peter Kelly, on 18 June 2020.

The Government has taken the necessary steps to formally advise President Higgins of the nomination in accordance with constitutional practice.

 

Note for Editors

A non-statutory Advisory Committee was established to assist with identifying eligible and qualified persons, including from among serving judges, who were interested in the post of President of the High Court, and following a consideration of their suitability, making recommendations to the Minister for Justice and Equality on preferred candidates.

The members of the Advisory Committee were:

  • The Hon. Mr. Justice George Birmingham, President of the Court of Appeal (substituting for the Chief Justice);
  • Ms. Jane Williams, Sia Partners; and
  • Mr. Séamus Woulfe SC, Attorney General.

Limited biographical details:

Ms. Justice Mary Irvine

  • Educated: University College Dublin and the King’s Inns
  • Called to the Bar: 1978
  • Called to the Inner Bar: 1996
  • Appointed as a Judge of the High Court: 2007
  • Appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal: 2014
  • Appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court: 2019