The head of the body that rules on contentious parades in Northern Ireland is to step down, it was announced today.
Roger Poole, who has been chair of the Parades Commission for more than three years, said he felt the time was right to stand aside.
His period of office was originally due to come to an end last December but he agreed to stay on for a further period.
He has now written to Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward indicating his intention to leave the post in the coming months. He said he will remain in place until a new chair is appointed.
“The role of chairman is an exacting one and I feel that the time is now right for me to step down from that role,” he said.
“I have given the Secretary of State an assurance that I will remain in place for as long as is required to oversee a smooth transition to a new chair.
“I have enjoyed my time as chairman immeasurably. The present Commission came into being in January 2006, directly following some of the most serious parades related rioting Northern Ireland had seen for decades, and I believe very firmly that the Commission has made a very significant contribution to stabilising the parading environment in the last three years.
“We supported and facilitated dialogue processes where possible and some remarkable progress was due in large part to the courage and commitment of residents’ groups, parading bodies and individuals as well as local representatives.
“Some of these processes were by their nature confidential while others were in the public domain. I wish to place on record my appreciation for the outstanding efforts made by my colleagues on the Parades
Commission and secretariat over the last three years and more.
“They have dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy to resolving this difficult issue and I know they will continue to do so as Northern Ireland moves forward.” Minister of State Paul Goggins praised the leadership given by Mr Poole.
“Roger Poole has made a major contribution to improving the parading situation across Northern Ireland and I would like to thank him for his tireless work over this period.
“He was appointed Chairman of the Parades Commission at a difficult time and the fact that under Roger’s chairmanship Northern Ireland has enjoyed three of the most peaceful parading seasons speaks volumes for the leadership and fresh approach he has given to the Commission.
“I am also grateful that as we approach this year’s parading season, Roger has agreed to remain in post to facilitate the transition to his successor.
“The Northern Ireland Office will now be taking forward a process to replace him as chairman of the Parades Commission as soon as is practicable.”
PA