Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) is delighted to announce that the Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, Dame Siobhan Keegan, has been appointed as our new co-patron.
Dame Keegan joins the Chief Justice of Ireland, Donal O’Donnell, as Irish Rule of Law International co-patron - a partnership that reflects the deep commitment to the rule of law across the island of Ireland. Her announcement was made at an IRLI event in Belfast, which focused on strengthening the rule of law. Addressing an audience of barristers, solicitors, members of the judiciary and others involved in international legal development, Dame Keegan emphasised her engagement with the appointment:
To be patron is a real privilege and an honour, and a join-up between our two jurisdictions and reflective of the work that we jointly do.
In her remarks, the Lady Chief Justice highlighted the serious challenges facing the rule of law globally:
We see increasing threats to judicial independence, the erosion of legal safeguards and the marginalisation of vulnerable communities. In many places, lawyers and judges operate under immense pressure, sometimes at great personal risk. In such contexts, solidarity matters. The support of peers from other jurisdictions can be a lifeline, both practically and symbolically.
Looking ahead, Dame Keegan - in partnership with the Bar of Northern Ireland - will formally launch a new rule of law project next month. She stressed the importance of cross-border learning and collaboration:
In Northern Ireland, we are acutely aware of the importance of legal institutions and the rule of law in shaping peace, stability and public trust. Our own journey has taught us that the law must be more than a set of rules — it must be a living framework that protects rights, resolves disputes and promotes reconciliation. And that experience, it seems to me, gives us a particular insight into the challenges faced by jurisdictions emerging from conflict or grappling with systemic inequality. And it has, I hope, given us an open-mindedness to learn from those jurisdictions.
Reflecting on the importance of IRLI’s work, Dame Keegan concluded:
The work of Irish Rule of Law International seems to me to be a form of legal diplomacy. It builds bridges, fosters understanding and strengthens institutions. It reminds us that the law is not just about power, it is also about protection. It is not just about enforcement; it is also about empowerment. So I am very keen to develop and deepen this jurisdiction’s engagement. Our judiciary, legal profession and academic institutions have much to offer and much to learn.
We are thrilled to have Dame Keegan on board - a commitment that highlights the borderless nature of the rule of law and the importance of upholding it, both at home and abroad.