The Chief Justice has called on Supreme Court judge Seamus Woulfe to resign over the Golfgate controversy.
However, Mr Justice Woulfe has refused to step down.
BREAKING ⚖️ The Chief Justice Frank Clarke has told Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe he should step down from the Supreme Court bench over the so-called #golfgate controversy in August. Mr J Clarke has refused to do so.
— Frank Greaney (@FrankGreaney) November 9, 2020
The Courts Service has this evening published lengthy letters between Mr Justice Woulfe and Chief Justice Frank Clarke.
In a letter last week, Mr Justice Clarke said it was his personal view that Mr Woulfe should resign to avoid "continuing serious damage to the judiciary".
He said he was required as Chief Justice to reprimand the judge for his conduct - but noted he did not have the powers to 'impose any formal sanctions'.
However, he said the judge would not be listed to sit as a judge until February 2021, and 'strongly suggested' he waive or repay his salary for that period.
He said he did not believe Mr Justice Woulfe's offer to donate a month's salary to charity and make a further apology was sufficient.
In response, the Supreme Court judge said he does not believe he has been given "substantial reasons or grounds for my resignation".
Mr Justice Woulfe said he is willing to accept the reprimand, and that he would be willing to forego his salary for three months "if that would ensure resolution of this matter".
As well as refusing to resign, the judge also suggested it is not "appropriate or helpful" for the Chief Justice to publish their correspondence.
In response, Mr Justice Clarke said he "very much regrets" that they had arrived at the current situation.
He said: "I should say that, regrettably, I remain of the view... that you should resign.
"I note that you have reaffirmed the view expressed at our meeting to the effect that you will not resign."
Golfgate
Mr Justice Woulfe was among those who attended the controversial Oireacthas Golf Society dinner in August.
A review of Mr Justice Woulfe's attendance by former Chief Justice Susan Denham found he should not be forced to resign over the scandal - saying that would be unjust and disproportionate.
However, the report noted the judge should not have gone to the dinner.
Mr Justice Woulfe previously apologised for attending the dinner and any unintentional breach of any guidelines.
After a number of delays and cancellations, Mr Justice Woulfe met the Chief Justice last week to discuss the controversy.
The 'Golfgate' scandal led to the resignations of Dara Calleary as agriculture minister and Phil Hogan as Ireland's EU Commissioner.
