Ireland’s judges lose their wigs in austerity move

DUBLIN — Hundreds of Ireland’s judges abandoned their wigs for the first time in centuries Friday after the Irish Courts Service ended the rule requiring them to wear the British-style headgear.

The move is designed to save the taxpayer money in debt-struck Ireland. Until now, each new judge has received a London-made, white-dyed horsehair wig that costs the state about $3,000 each.

Ireland is voting Oct. 27 on a constitutional amendment that would give the government new power to cut judges’ salaries.

Irish judges have worn wigs since the mid-17th century and kept the policy after Ireland won independence from Britain in 1922.