Irish-American Legal/Political connections?

Ajnag

As some of you might have noticed, the trial of those accused of damaging an American aircraft in shannon has collapsed due to the judge having american connections to the republican party.

From
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2005/1108/2404959586HM1COURT.html

In the absence of the jury defence counsel asked Judge Donagh McDonagh to confirm whether he had, as a barrister in the mid-1990s, attended a conference in Texas which involved a photo call with the then governor, George W Bush.

Counsel also suggested that Judge McDonagh was invited to both of Mr Bush's presidential inaugurations and attended the first one in 2000. Michael O'Higgins SC suggested that the 2004 invitation was "extended by Mr Tom DeLay, who has had recent difficulties".

This raises concern on my part for a few reasons,
First of all there is the question of transparency in the Irish legal system. In the us, the politics of judge's is clear in most cases, especially as the recent supreme court nominations have shown. Not here however, that is cause for concern.

Secondly the DeLay connection just creeps me out, DeLay is a shady character to say the least. He has been indicted on charges related to political money laundering.

Now just what the hell is an Irish judge doing getting personal invites from senior american politicians and one might also wonder what an Irish judge is doing fraternising with an American political party?

Also what dont we know about such connections concerning others?
Especially those in positions of authority.

Also Id like to keep the trial of anti war demonstators seperate to this thread. This is about a seperate point of observation.

Ajnag

Anyone?