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31/01/2008
Parades' Commission Appointment Ruled Unlawful
Two Parades' Commission appointments have been ruled as unlawful in the House of Lords.
The controversial appointments - by former NI Secretary of State, Peter Hain - placed two members of the Orange Order with the Parades Commission to the consternation of both nationalists and republicans in 2005.
Overturning a Court of Appeal decision from 2006, the House of Lords ruled there was indeed a conflict of interests in the appointments of Portadown Orangemen David Burrows and Don Mackay, saying their selection “would lead to the perception of bias against the nationalist community”, also adding that the former Northern Ireland Secretary acted illegally and improperly in making the decision.
The unanimous ruling by the Law Lords has been seen as a major victory for a group of nationalist residents, including those of the Garvaghy, Co Armagh, who have fought a two-year legal battle with the British Government and Northern Ireland's judiciary against the appointments.
"No reasonable person," said the Law Lords, "knowing of the two appointees' background, could have supposed that either would bring an objective or impartial judgment to bear".
Further controversy broke soon after Mr Hain’s 2005 appointments when appointee, Mr Mackay, quit the commission after it emerged he listed Democratic Unionist MP David Simpson and SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly as referees without seeking their permission.
Peter Hain, meanwhile, has other 'troubles' to think about, having just quit the Cabinet to "clear his name" after his Labour deputy leadership campaign donations were referred to the police.
The Electoral Commission passed the former Work and Pensions and Wales Secretary's late declaration of donations to police after a "thorough review" of the case.
See: Hain Resigns From Cabinet
(DW)
The controversial appointments - by former NI Secretary of State, Peter Hain - placed two members of the Orange Order with the Parades Commission to the consternation of both nationalists and republicans in 2005.
Overturning a Court of Appeal decision from 2006, the House of Lords ruled there was indeed a conflict of interests in the appointments of Portadown Orangemen David Burrows and Don Mackay, saying their selection “would lead to the perception of bias against the nationalist community”, also adding that the former Northern Ireland Secretary acted illegally and improperly in making the decision.
The unanimous ruling by the Law Lords has been seen as a major victory for a group of nationalist residents, including those of the Garvaghy, Co Armagh, who have fought a two-year legal battle with the British Government and Northern Ireland's judiciary against the appointments.
"No reasonable person," said the Law Lords, "knowing of the two appointees' background, could have supposed that either would bring an objective or impartial judgment to bear".
Further controversy broke soon after Mr Hain’s 2005 appointments when appointee, Mr Mackay, quit the commission after it emerged he listed Democratic Unionist MP David Simpson and SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly as referees without seeking their permission.
Peter Hain, meanwhile, has other 'troubles' to think about, having just quit the Cabinet to "clear his name" after his Labour deputy leadership campaign donations were referred to the police.
The Electoral Commission passed the former Work and Pensions and Wales Secretary's late declaration of donations to police after a "thorough review" of the case.
See: Hain Resigns From Cabinet
(DW)
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19 May 2006
Parades Commission appointments "unlawful"
The High Court has today overturned the appointment of a prominent Orangeman onto the Parades Commission. A High Court judge quashed the appointment of Portadown Orange Order member, David Burrow, who was given the position in November last year.
Parades Commission appointments "unlawful"
The High Court has today overturned the appointment of a prominent Orangeman onto the Parades Commission. A High Court judge quashed the appointment of Portadown Orange Order member, David Burrow, who was given the position in November last year.
09 June 2006
Hain wins legal battle over Parades Commission appointments
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain has today won his legal battle over the appointment of two Orangemen to the Parades Commission. The Court of Appeal today overturned the decision to quash David Burrows` membership of the Parades Commission after last months High Court judicial review, which ruled that his appointment was "unlawful.
Hain wins legal battle over Parades Commission appointments
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain has today won his legal battle over the appointment of two Orangemen to the Parades Commission. The Court of Appeal today overturned the decision to quash David Burrows` membership of the Parades Commission after last months High Court judicial review, which ruled that his appointment was "unlawful.
04 October 2013
New Parades Commissioners Sought
The Northern Ireland Secretary has announced a process to recruit a new five-member Commission to adjudicate sensitive parades. The term of the current Parades Commission members is due to end on 31 December 2013, however Theresa Villiers said new members may be found sooner if a decision can be made during the Haass talks.
New Parades Commissioners Sought
The Northern Ireland Secretary has announced a process to recruit a new five-member Commission to adjudicate sensitive parades. The term of the current Parades Commission members is due to end on 31 December 2013, however Theresa Villiers said new members may be found sooner if a decision can be made during the Haass talks.
24 February 2009
Devolution Of Policing And Justice Moves Closer
Policing and justice matters look set to come under the remit of Stormont MLAs soon. NIO Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has underlined Westminster's continuing move toward the overall hand over of policing and justice powers to local MLAs.
Devolution Of Policing And Justice Moves Closer
Policing and justice matters look set to come under the remit of Stormont MLAs soon. NIO Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has underlined Westminster's continuing move toward the overall hand over of policing and justice powers to local MLAs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
