Unionist anger at equality job for ex-RTÉ boss

19/07/2005 - 16:33:00
The appointment of a former director general of RTÉ to head Northern Ireland’s Equality Commission angered a senior unionist today.

Democratic Unionist deputy leader Peter Robinson claimed the appointment of Bob Collins showed the British government’s disregard for unionist views.

The East Belfast MP said: “Coming only a month after the appointment of Monica McWilliams as chief human rights commissioner, this a further slight on the unionist community.

“It is a scandal that there is still not a single person who is in any way identified with the largest political party in Northern Ireland on the Equality Commission.

“At a time when the Government should be encouraging greater engagement from unionists with bodies such as the Human Rights and Equality Commissions they are appointing people that are not likely to command the confidence of the majority community in Northern Ireland.

“This perverse strategy is not only likely to antagonise unionists but will merely increase their sense of alienation with such bodies.”

Mr Collins served as the director general of RTÉ between 1997 and 2003.

He had been in the company since 1975 where he served in a number of roles including director of television and director of corporate affairs.

The new Equality Commission chief was born in Killarney in Co Kerry and grew up in Adare, Co Limerick.

He succeeds Dame Joan Harbison who steps down in July.

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain also appointed four new commissioners.

They include Professor Eithne McLaughlin of Queen’s University and CBI council member Bryan Johnston.

He also appointed James Knox, a policy and research officer with the Rainbow Project which works with lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and retired hotelier and state registered nurse Elaine Waterson, who has previously served on the boards of the Housing Executive and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Mr Hain said Mr Collins was the right person to head the commission.

“A champion for equality throughout his career, Bob Collins brings to the commission not only valuable experience of running a high profile organisation but also hands-on experience of making equality a reality,” he said.

“Together, these five new commissioners have the knowledge, practical skills and academic understanding to make a real contribution to the protection and promotion of equality in Northern Ireland.

“I am confident they will continue to enhance the commission’s pivotal role in advancing rights and protection for everyone in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Hain also paid tribute to the work of Dame Joan and three outgoing commissioners, Ruth Lavery, Alan Henry and Ann Hope.