The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland only took advice from a senior barrister after its threat of legal action against a Christian-run bakery led to a global media outcry, it was reported in late September.
Documents shown to the The Belfast News Letter under the Freedom of Information Act revealed a key email exchange between senior staff at the taxpayer-funded Commission. Anne McKernan, the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, wrote to the Chief Executive Evelyn Collins highlighting local and national interest in the case.
Senior barrister’s views
She said: ‘Given that the matter was brought to the attention of the Prime Minister and commented upon by the media legal correspondent Joshua Rozenberg, among many, many others – I think it may be prudent for the Commission to have the views of a senior barrister.’
