Big Jim's Legal Aid Gamble: Court Chaos, Fianna Fáil Leadership Stakes, and a Minister Under Pressure

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan described yesterday's crunch meeting with the Law Society as "very good" and "constructive," but solicitors are walking out again for three days starting today. Law Society president Rosemarie Loftus said both sides are "working through solutions" on the criminal legal aid overhaul, yet carefully noted it remains "a matter for each individual solicitor" whether to honour the stoppage. Translation: diplomacy hasn't stopped the bleeding.

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