Mark Kelly to step down as head of civil liberties council

The executive director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), Mark Kelly, is to step down from the position, which he has held for the past ten years.

The international human rights lawyer wants to spend more time on his role as the member elected for Ireland to the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, a role that involves regular visits to prisons and other places of detention in the 47-member block.

He is to continue to be involved with human rights work in Ireland as a Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

Mr Kelly is to remain in his position with the ICCL until a successor has been appointed.

He said he was leaving with great pride in the achievements of the ICCL during his time with the organisation, “especially its central role in two successful referendum campaigns, defeating regressive proposals on Oireachtas inquiries (or kangaroo courts) and, with partners, winning the Marriage Equality referendum.”

He said he was fully confident that the ICCL will replicate these successes when the referendum to repeal the eighth amendment to the Constitution is held.