Pope joke backlash for top lawyer

Mr Findlay previously faced controversy over sectarian lyrics

Lawyer Donald Findlay is considering resignation from a top legal position after controversy over a joke he made about the late Pope John Paul II.

The QC's joke at a Rangers supporters' club in Northern Ireland is reported to have prompted a no-confidence vote from colleagues in the Faculty of Advocates.

He is considering his position as chairman of Faculty Services Limited.

Mr Findlay quit as Rangers vice-chair in 1999 after he was filmed singing sectarian lyrics at a social club.

He was caught on camera singing at a private party after Rangers beat Celtic 1-0 to clinch the treble.

Mr Findlay was fined £3,500 for professional misconduct by the faculty following that incident and issued an "unreserved apology".

He now faces renewed controversy after making a remark about the late Pope while appearing as a guest speaker at an event in Northern Ireland.

Professional body

The 54-year-old's position in charge of faculty services is one of the most prestigious in the professional body, with responsibility for business operations, but is now in question.

The Faculty of Advocates confirmed that he is considering his position after a meeting on Saturday.

In a statement, the faculty said: "We can confirm that a meeting of the Faculty Services Ltd board took place in Edinburgh on Saturday.

"We can confirm, also, that Mr Donald Findlay QC has intimated that it is his intention to consider his position as chairman of the board and that he expects to make a decision this week."

The QC was unavailable for comment.