Connolly faces criticism over remarks on ECHR deportation push

President Catherine Connolly has criticised pressure from European governments on the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to make deportation of foreign criminals easier. Her remarks have prompted debate in Ireland over whether a president should comment on government policy and whether the comparison she drew with attacks on international courts was appropriate.

Ireland was among more than 20 countries that signed a statement in December calling for greater weight to be given to the seriousness of crimes when considering deportation. The statement sought changes in how the ECHR weighs Article 8 family-life rights and interprets Article 3 protections against torture. Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said Connolly should avoid personal views on day-to-day policy, while constitutional law expert Jamie McLoughlin said her remarks could be seen as implied criticism of the Government.