The Gazette 1976

SEPTEMBER 1976

GAZETTE

cal freedom. How can citizens be really free politically if all are employed by the State and therefore dependent on the exercise of political or bureaucratic power for access to the necessities of life? For the lawyer, his role is to point out the need to preserve a Rule of Law in which disputes about the rights and duties of citizens are decided on the basis of an impartial set of rules applied impartially to all, and not on the "merits of each case". This latter approach so beloved of many in contemporary society assumes the existence of some exceptional person or group who are indeed capable of this fair and unbiased identification of individual merits, and assumes also that this group will not be corrupted by the possession of such vast powers : two assumptions which conflict with the whole of human history. We need to be reminded that we shall never prevent the abuse of power if we are not prepared to limit power, even though.these limits may occasionally prevent its use for desirable purposes. If this final note seems somewhat remote and the dangers of which I speak far removed, I would remind you of David Hume's words "it is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once." Order without liberty is morally in- tolerable. SOL I C I TORS' GOL F I NG SOC I ETY AU T UMN OUT I NG — BALTRAY GOLF CLUB 2nd October, 1976 Captain's (E. Gillan's) Prize : P. D. Fallon (12) 41 pts. Runner-up, P. Gearty (11) 40 pts. St. Patrick's Plate (H'Caps 12 & under) : Donal Branigan (10) 38 pts. Runner-up, B. Gannon (11) 37 pts. Veteran's Cup : D. Lynch (6) 35 pts. Runner-up, W. A. Tormey (14) 35 pts. H'Caps 13 & Ov e r: T. J. O'Reilly (15) 40 pts. 1st Nine, M. Green (15) 22 pts. 2nd Nine, J. H. Dockrell (15) 22 pts. Members from more than 30 miles: B. Rigney (15) 38 pts. Best score by lot: J. McGowan (14) 31 pts.

which has already been done, suggests to me at any rate that there are many points, for further discussion and for fruitful inter-change between our two professions. I believe that we can learn much from each other. Indeed I would go further. Over and above the detailed aspects of our respective work, there are the more fundamental values and attitudes underpinning our societies to which we can jointly contribute on a critically important scale. Thus there was an understandable reaction against the free enterprise of the 19th century, which for many was simply the freedom to starve or eke out a miserable existence, and the consequence of this reaction was the rise of the modern welfare state, with the government charged to intervene and protect the weaker sections of society. However there is a danger that modern society will carry the process of government interven- tion well beyond the point of diminishing returns, to the stage where no real or meaningful freedoms remain for the individual citizen. It is our two professions which together provide the capacity to warn against this danger and to identify the areas of excessive encroachment by arbitrary powers. For the economist, the role is to point out the need to ensure economic independence and security as a precondition for politi- Trinity Honours History Graduate (1976), aged 25, female, married, seeks Apprenticeship in office within 20 miles radius Dublin Gity. 5 years experience at office work before University (shorthand, typing, bookkeeping, business methods). Experience of working in solicitor's offices, (Gourt work, Registry of Deeds, Stamping, etc.). Available for immediate full time work, prior to commencing apprenticeship course in Autumn, 1977. Gomplete details from Box. No. 142 or phone Dublin 760541 (Dr. J. Bradley), during business hours. Vacancy for Post of Appeal Commissioner of Income Tax in the Office of The Revenue Commissioners The Minister for Finance invites Applications for Appointment to a Post of APPEAL COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX The Post at present carries a salary of £10,023 a year (married). The Post is pensionable. Candidates must be practising Barristers or Solicitors in the State of not less than six year's standing. Application Forms and Conditions of Service for the post may be obtained from : The Secretary, Department of Finance, (Personnel Section), Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2. Completed applications should be sent to the same address to arrive not later than 5.30 p.m. on 17th November 1976. Department of Finance, Upper Meriron Street, Dublin 2. 23rd September 1976.

SAINT LUKE'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND

Gifts or legacies to assist this Fund are most gratefully received by the Secretary, Esther Byrne, at "Oakland", Highfield Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6. Telephone 9764919.

This Fund does not employ canvassers or collectors and is not associated with any other body in fund raising.