New initiative to share Northern Ireland perspectives on rule of law
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Donal Lunny KC
A new series of events jointly hosted by the Office of the Lady Chief Justice and the Bar of Northern Ireland is to share perspectives on the rule of law.
Beginning this week, the series will explore how the rule of law can be engaged in real world issues including economic growth and stability, immigration, identity, rights, the legacy of our past, and free speech.
The first event in the series will explore how the rule of law underpins equality, fairness, and accountability in public life, examining its impact on economic development and social cohesion in Northern Ireland.
Dame Siobhan Keegan will open the event, which will feature a panel discussion including Bar chairperson Donal Lunncy KC.
The panel will also hear from Fiona Doherty KC; former NI Civil Service head David Sterling KCB; Phoenix Law senior associate Sinead Marmion; Invest NI’s head of legal, Tracy Stuart; and the chief commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Geraldine McGahey OBE.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dame Siobhan said: “I am delighted to launch this series in partnership with the Bar of Northern Ireland.
“The rule of law is critically important to everyone in society, whether ensuring that fundamental rights and freedoms are upheld, preventing the abuse of power or providing a stable framework for a functioning democracy and economy.
“It is therefore equally important to promote a better understanding of what the rule of law is, and I hope that this series will go some way to doing that.”
Mr Lunny added: “The rule of law means that no individual is above the law and that no individual is beneath its protection. It is a fundamental principle that shapes our lives, and where the rule of law is strong, communities thrive, the economy is stronger and social cohesion is enhanced.
“None of us should take the rule of law for granted. Indeed, we should be ever vigilant as to the threats to the rule of law, particularly in a climate in which lawyers are attacked for defending, and the judiciary are criticised for upholding, individuals’ rights.
“That’s why this new initiative, the ‘Rule of Law in Perspective’, is so fundamentally important.
“The aim of the initiative is to engage our citizens on the importance of the rule of law for all of us — platforming informed discussion and consideration amongst civic society, young people and those involved in the legal and justice sector.”
The first event will take place on Wednesday 12 November at 4pm in the Inn of Court at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast.
Numbers are limited and those wishing to attend should RSVP to events@barlibrary.com to secure a place.
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