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)