Contemplating a new era

Lord Irvine will be missed - just as much by journalists as by lawyers.

For the former, he provided good copy; for the latter - whether you agreed with him or vehemently opposed him, Derry provided a high level of intellectual rigour.

His successor - Lord Falconer of Thoroton - is certainly no intellectual minnow; and his role as the last Lord Chancellor has certainly set Fleet Street buzzing.

Undoubtedly, he will bring a much different personal style and approach to what remains of the role in its dying days to that of his predecessor.

Lord Falconer is more avuncular and approachable and less aloof than Lord Irvine.

Indeed a change of attitude at what was the Lord Chancellor's Department - now the Department of Constitutional Affairs - will be welcomed by much of the legal profession.

So far, the bigger picture aims - separating the Lord Chancellor from his judicial role and from his role in selecting judges - are commendable.

However, if we had one message for Lord Falconer it would be: don't take your eye off the grass roots.

For years, successive lords chancellor have forced legal aid lawyers to run their practices on shoestrings.

Levels of remuneration that were inadequate six years ago - at the beginning of this Labour government - have barely been enhanced and are now at a stage where they are little more than derisory.

So Lord Falconer, we agree that constitutional reform is long over due.

But for this country's unwritten constitution to have any meaning and relevance, rights must be accessible to all members of society, including the least advantaged.

Addressing legal aid pay rates should be at the top of your agenda.