Page "John Forster (Chief Justice)" Paragraph 3

Elrington Ball described Forster as " a sound lawyer and impressive speaker " but lacking political judgment.

Like Alan Brodrick, 1st Viscount Midleton, his mentor, he was stubborn and hot-tempered.

His tenure as Recorder of Dublin saw a major conflict between the aldermen of Dublin and the Privy Council ; Forster was entirely on the side of the aldermen and for this was violently attacked by Jonathan Swift and other critics.

These attacks undoubtedly took their toll, and it is believed he exchanged the Recordership for the position of Chief Justice on the understanding that the more senior position would in practice be less onerous.