The leaders of all political parties will meet this afternoon to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Supreme Court Justice Séamus Woulfe.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin called the meeting in a bid to seek political consensus on the stand-off in the highest court in the land.

Mr Justice Woulfe was one of 81 guests to attend the controversial Oireachtas Golf Society dinner at a hotel in Clifden, County Galway in August.

The dinner was in breach of COVID-19 regulations that were in place at the time.

Phil Hogan (left) and Seamus Woulfe attend the funeral of Peter Sutherland at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook Dublin, 11-01-2018. Image: Niall Carson/PA Archive/PA Images

In a series of letters released earlier this week, the Chief Justice Frank Clarke made it clear to Mr Justice Woulfe that he felt he should resign but admitted he had no power to make him do so.

Mr Justice Woulfe had agreed to a three-month suspension without pay but refused to step down.

The question now facing politicians is whether the Oireachtas can or should step in.

The Oireachtas has the power to impeach a judge judge in cases of 'stated misbehaviour;' however, that is an ill-defined term and even if Mr Justice Woulfe has lost the confidence of his colleagues, he has broken no laws.

The Four Courts on the River Liffey in Dublin, 29-08-2007. Image: The Irish Image Collection/Design Pics via ZUMA Wire

Party leaders will gather to discuss the situation this afternoon.

Some want to see the government push an impeachment motion and to have hearings before an all-party committee - with Solidarity/People Before Profit threatening to start that process if Micheál Martin won't.

Others do not think there is sufficient grounds for impeachment hearings, and while it was a lapse of judgement by Seamus Woulfe, they believe their hands are tied.

On Tuesday the Attorney General warned that the ongoing controversy raises “serious constitutional issues” and party leaders will want to hear the advice in full this afternoon.

It is doubtful a clear consensus will emerge - and all parties are proceeding with extreme caution.

Reporting from Sean Defoe and Michael Staines