Butler-Sloss Jumps Before She's Pushed

THE BBC reported today:  'Most public bodies at least claim they appoint people because of what they know, not who they know. But it was Lady Butler-Sloss's family and political connections - not her experience and knowledge - which led to her resignation.'

Who now then?   Who now to probe into child sex abuse?

Yesterday, the Home Secretary Theresa May said she did not regret appointing the peer, adding that she would 'not hang around' in naming her successor.

But who?

There must not be another botched job.

Afterall, Ann Elizabeth Butler-Sloss was the first female Lord Justice of Appeal and until 2004, was the highest-ranking female judge in the United Kingdom.

Who will be her successor? Mrs May has said she still favoured appointing a single individual to head the over-arching inquiry rather than a panel of experts urged by Labour and some abuse victims.

An American judge has been mooted by some.  But would they have the necessary nous or street-wise grasp to understand our English ways?

What about the Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon?   Best known as the superjudge who ordered the arrest of General Pinochet, this crusading legal head of WikiLeaks has been approached by the NSA whistleblower to represent him.

Already there are calls for a figure less linked to the establishment to be appointed - but if a legal background, along with the security clearance to read confidential government papers is required, then that could be easier said than done it seems.