Labour lawyers join attack on Irvine 

   The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg came under
   attack from his own party yesterday when a leading
   Labour peer joined in the chorus of criticism over his
   role in raising money from lawyers for Labour Party
   coffers. 

   Speculation is also mounting that the affair may prompt
   ministers to overhaul the current system and strip the
   Lord Chancellor of his powers to appoint judges and
   Queen's Counsel. Senior Government figures fear any
   suggestion that legal appointments could be influenced
   by political patronage may undermine public confidence
   in the legal system. 

   Downing Street and Labour officials attempted to damp
   down the row, dismissing claims that ambitious lawyers
   might have felt under pressure to hand over money as
   Lord Irvine could hold their career prospects in their
   hands. 

   By Nigel Morris and Matthew Beard 
   20 February 2001
   The Independent - English broadsheet  
                                
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