Enoch Burke contempt of court
Senator Mullen clarified that the matter was civil, and Senator Chambers responded that the contempt finding stood but seemed heavy-handed; she criticised trial by Twitter while affirming respect for the courts. The Acting Chair reminded Members not to criticise judicial judgments, and Chambers agreed.
It is a civil matter rather than a criminal one.
Comment on this
Obviously, the rule of law is paramount. The charge against him in terms of contempt of court was correct and he does need to come forward on that front, but I do take the Senator's point that it seems a very heavy-handed outcome in terms of the actual offence.
Rather than getting into it, I would agree with the Senator that trial by Twitter is not the way we should be doing things. Sometimes the first voice out can be the loudest and can silence other voices. I also believe in the freedom of private citizens to make their own decisions. It is not for everyone to jump on the bandwagon. It was an unsavoury episode that we can learn a lot from.
Senator Dolan spoke about the Ballinasloe Festival. She often speaks about Ballinasloe. A week does not go by when she does not. I wish them well with the festival.
Comment on this
In respect of the discourse between the Deputy Leader and Senator Mullen, we are all aware that the judgments of the courts are not being criticised here.
Comment on this
I, of course, agree with the comments of the courts.