McDarby takes over Mayo Bar helm as solicitors’ legal aid stand-off continues

Cathy McDarby has taken over as president of the Mayo Bar Association, stating she shares her predecessor's position on the legal aid dispute.

Ms. McDarby, from Ballinrobe, succeeds Castlebar-based Gary Mulchrone, whose two-year term has ended.

She said solicitors do not want to have to withdraw their services but must stand up for the vulnerable in society.

“The press have heard me talk all over the country on this,” she said.

“We must protect the most vulnerable at all costs.”

Ms. McDarby said that "we respect the rule of law in this society" - and confirmed that she will not be attending court until there is a resolution to the three-and-a-half-month-long dispute.

“We don’t want to be doing this,” she explained..

She stated the Minister for Justice has indicated he will meet solicitors next week.

“I hope he does, and soon. The second it’s resolved, we will return to do our jobs.”

She thanked Mr. Mulchrone for his stellar service over the past two years.

* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.