Menu
24/05/2010
NI's Top Legal Post Confirmed
There's confirmation this afternoon of a locally-based Attorney General for Northern Ireland.
First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced the appointment of John F Larkin QC in the new post.
Mr Robinson said: "I welcome that John Larkin has accepted the appointment of Attorney General for Northern Ireland.
"Whilst we are grateful to successive Attorneys General who took a genuine interest in the affairs of Northern Ireland, having a local Attorney clearly places the rule of law at the very heart of Government here in Northern Ireland."
Speaking about the appointment Mr McGuinness said: "The appointment of John Larkin is an historic one as it puts in place an independent, non-political, local Attorney General."
He added: "This appointment puts in place a key element in taking forward the newly transferred Justice powers."
Mr Larkin said that it is a great honour to be appointed as the first local Attorney General in some 37 years.
"I am grateful for having been given such an historic opportunity to contribute to the rule of law and the good government of Northern Ireland, and I look forward to meeting the challenges of this Office."
The move will be a relief for all those involved as, last month, it emerged that the then proposed new Attorney-General had expressed doubts over taking up the position because of issues of personal security.
Belfast barrister John Larkin was said to be unsure about taking on the role because of the limited level of protection offered to him.
It was understood that Mr Larkin felt that he should be provided with increased security given the threat level from dissident republicans.
His view was being backed by NI Policing Board member Alex Attwood who said that it was a difficult obstacle to overcome - but which has now clearly been surmounted.
The appointment was made under the provisions of the Justice (NI) Act 2002 and is a full time, pensionable position with a salary equivalent to that of a Lord Justice of Appeal and is for a four year period.
On devolution of justice, the arrangement whereby the Attorney General for England and Wales is also the Attorney General for Northern Ireland came to an end.
See: Chief Legal Post In Doubt Over Protection
(BMcC/GK)
First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced the appointment of John F Larkin QC in the new post.
Mr Robinson said: "I welcome that John Larkin has accepted the appointment of Attorney General for Northern Ireland.
"Whilst we are grateful to successive Attorneys General who took a genuine interest in the affairs of Northern Ireland, having a local Attorney clearly places the rule of law at the very heart of Government here in Northern Ireland."
Speaking about the appointment Mr McGuinness said: "The appointment of John Larkin is an historic one as it puts in place an independent, non-political, local Attorney General."
He added: "This appointment puts in place a key element in taking forward the newly transferred Justice powers."
Mr Larkin said that it is a great honour to be appointed as the first local Attorney General in some 37 years.
"I am grateful for having been given such an historic opportunity to contribute to the rule of law and the good government of Northern Ireland, and I look forward to meeting the challenges of this Office."
The move will be a relief for all those involved as, last month, it emerged that the then proposed new Attorney-General had expressed doubts over taking up the position because of issues of personal security.
Belfast barrister John Larkin was said to be unsure about taking on the role because of the limited level of protection offered to him.
It was understood that Mr Larkin felt that he should be provided with increased security given the threat level from dissident republicans.
His view was being backed by NI Policing Board member Alex Attwood who said that it was a difficult obstacle to overcome - but which has now clearly been surmounted.
The appointment was made under the provisions of the Justice (NI) Act 2002 and is a full time, pensionable position with a salary equivalent to that of a Lord Justice of Appeal and is for a four year period.
On devolution of justice, the arrangement whereby the Attorney General for England and Wales is also the Attorney General for Northern Ireland came to an end.
See: Chief Legal Post In Doubt Over Protection
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2006
Judge calls for inquiry into McDougall appointment
A High Court Judge has today asked for the government's appointment of interim Victims' Commissioner Bertha McDougall, 59, to be investigated by the attorney general. Lord Goldsmith is now to examine whether the court was deliberately misled by the Northern Ireland Office during the judicial review of her appointment.
Judge calls for inquiry into McDougall appointment
A High Court Judge has today asked for the government's appointment of interim Victims' Commissioner Bertha McDougall, 59, to be investigated by the attorney general. Lord Goldsmith is now to examine whether the court was deliberately misled by the Northern Ireland Office during the judicial review of her appointment.
22 September 2003
Tributes flow in for Lords leader
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy has led the tributes following the death of House of Lords leader, Lord Williams of Mostyn. Lord Williams died on Saturday aged 62 after collapsing suddenly at his home in Gloucestershire. No further details have been released.
Tributes flow in for Lords leader
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy has led the tributes following the death of House of Lords leader, Lord Williams of Mostyn. Lord Williams died on Saturday aged 62 after collapsing suddenly at his home in Gloucestershire. No further details have been released.
28 November 2024
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
28 November 2024
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
