(1)After section 102 of the County Courts Act (Northern Ireland) 1959 (c. 25 (N.I.)) insert—
(1)The Lord Chief Justice must appoint one of the judges to be the Presiding judge with responsibility for the county courts and the other judges and the deputy judges.
(2)The person appointed as Presiding judge holds that office in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(3)If the office of Presiding judge becomes vacant, the Lord Chief Justice may appoint a judge to act as Presiding judge, pending a new appointment.”
(2)The Lord Chief Justice may delegate any of his functions relating to county courts to the Presiding county court judge.