By ANDRE BAGOO Wednesday, September 30 2009

THE COUNCIL of the Law Association yesterday closed ranks behind its president Martin Daly SC, affirming that it “will not be deterred or intimidated by personal attacks on its president” and noting all statements issued under Daly’s hand represent the views of the entire council.

“The council assures the public that it will continue to fulfill its duty to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and will not be deterred or intimidated by personal attacks on its president or members from commenting dispassionately on matters that concern the administration of justice and the rule of law,” the association said in a press release signed by secretary Patricia Dindyal.

“The Law Association is mandated by statute to promote, maintain and support the administration of justice and the rule of law.” The body also pointed out that all views expressed in statements signed by its president represent the views of the council as a whole.

In Parliament last week, Attorney General John Jeremie criticised Daly and accused him of “a lie” without specifying the details of this. Daly had the week prior, been critical of Prime Minister Patrick Manning vetoing the Judicial and Legal Service Commissions’ choices for the post of Director of Public Prosecutions. Additionally, the association was also critical of Jeremie’s comments on a ruling of then High Court Judge Justice Rajendra Narine over a controversial affidavit sworn by Abu Bakr.

Jeremie said he would be writing the Law Association in the wake of Daly’s as well as the law body’s comments. Yesterday, the association noted they have yet to receive any correspondence from the Attorney General.

“The Council awaits receipt from the Attorney General of the letter and opinions to which he refers in his address to the Parliament and will consider same at its regular monthly meeting in mid-October,” Dindyal noted.

Last Friday, the Council held a meeting at the body’s offices on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain. On Sunday, Association vice-president Seunath Hendrickson SC called for a meeting between the Association and the Attorney General.

“This is heading, no doubt, for a war and there must be a truce. It is not healthy for the legal system and I think that a meeting should be held with the Attorney General,” he said. Daly, who celebrated his 65th birthday on Monday, was yesterday unavailable for comment. Jeremie also did not respond to questions sent to him yesterday.