TNAG-0196-FCO40-232-Judiciary-appointments-1970 — Page 41

BE WRITTEN in this MARGIN

W(B)L 51-7406

M. Blan-Kerr's relations.

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9.

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7. (i) Influence with the Bench and the Bar:

Sir Ivo Rigby's relations with some

legal Circles)

Consideration's of Puble Interest-

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from the quartis.

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Blair-Hert

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Slip for paras 7 and 8 r. duft.

of his colleagues on the Bench "tend to be strained", it has been

emid.

It has been noted that both have been at times unpopular with the Bar, but for reasons which do them no diserediths Sir Ivo's profession- al limitations are fairly well known in this restricted/circles and some personal opinions of him are thought to be not very high.

The Acting Governor (Sir Hugh Norman-Walker) has reported that in view of Sir Ivo Rigby's seniority, knighthood and strong personality there is "a settled and accepted expectation of his appointment, both inside and outside the courts" and that his supersession would cause disruption in the Judiciary, The Governor endorses this assessment. Our

conclusion is that better leadership, because less likely to be questioned, can be expected from Sir Ivo Rigby who has in any event the greater degree of personal authority.]

Mr. Blair-Kerr is little known outside judicial and legal circles. Sir Ivo Rigby has been very much more in the public eye because of his position (he has acted as Chief Justice on a number of occasions) and because of his and his wife's outside activities and interests. Knowledge of his professional limitations is largely confined to those concerned with the business of the courts (see paragraph 6(iii) above); his stature in the Colony with the general public

is considerable.

8. It was agreed that Mr. Blair-Kerr was without doubt the better candidate in terms of professional ability, but that Sir Ivo Rigby's claims could be regarded as superior on the score of ability to exercise leadership and of standing in the community. The Governor on balance recommends the appointment of Sir Ivo Rigby, a recommendation with which Sir Michael Hogan concurs. He considers

/ that the

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