Jerry Beades challenges Kelly nomination as High Court chief

Anti-eviction activist alleges Mr Justice Peter Kelly not suitable for president of High Court

Mr Justice Peter Kelly was nominated as president of the High Court by the Government on Tuesday and is due to be formally appointed next week. File photograph: Aidan Crawley/The Irish Times
Mr Justice Peter Kelly was nominated as president of the High Court by the Government on Tuesday and is due to be formally appointed next week. File photograph: Aidan Crawley/The Irish Times

Businessman and anti-eviction activist Jerry Beades has launched a legal challenge against the Government's decision to nominate Mr Justice Peter Kelly as the next president of the High Court.

In proceedings lodged in the Central Office of the High Court late on Thursday, Mr Beades seeks various High Court orders and declarations arising from the intended appointment of Mr Justice Kelly to the position of president of the High Court.

Mr Beades alleges the judge is not suitable for the role.

The action is against Ireland, the Attorney General, the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board and the Minister for Justice and Equality. Mr Justice Kelly is not a party to the action.

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It is not known whether Mr Beades will seek an injunction preventing Mr Justice Kelly from taking up the position.

Mr Justice Kelly was nominated by the Government on Tuesday and is due to be formally appointed next week.

Mr Justice Kelly, who presided over the Commercial Court prior to his appointment to the Court of Appeal, is due to succeed Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns who sits for the final time as a judge of the superior courts on Friday.