The Government will renege on its promise to "play hardball" with Judge Brian Curtin after June 11th, according to Labour Party leader Mr Pat Rabbitte.
Mr Rabbitte believes that come June 12th, the day after local and European elections, the Government is likely to reach a compromise with the judge, acquitted of child pornography charges.
"Everything Fianna Fáil does is related to an election, at some time or another. But three weeks out from an election everything they do is certainly related to an election," said Mr Rabbitte.
"The Taoiseach and his Minister for Justice are playing hardball until June 12th" and after that are very likely meet the judge halfway in Portlaoise and offer him a "barrel of taxpayers' money," added the Labour leader.
Yesterday, Mr Rabbitte called for Judge Curtin to be relieved of his duties on the grounds of incapacity. The Taoiseach also said there would be no "sweetheart arrangement" with the judge.
Judge Curtin was acquitted in a Cork court last month of possessing child pornography after the trial judge ruled a Garda warrant used to search his house in May 2002 was out of date.
He sent a letter to the Government last week in response to a request from them to explain how his credit card was apparently used to purchase pornographic images of children on the Internet. It is understood the judge rejected the Government's right to inquire into his behaviour and the scene is now set for a legal battle.
However it is widely believed that the Government will begin impeachment proceedings following a cabinet meeting this morning.
Judge Curtin may also face drink-driving charges after being arrested in Tralee, Co Kerry, ten days ago. The DPP is understood to be considering whether or not to charge him.
