The incoming head of a Troubles legacy body has said he recognises that some people will have concerns that its new commissioner for investigations has a policing past with the RUC.
Former senior police officer Peter Sheridan is to become commissioner for investigations at the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which will take over hundreds of unresolved Troubles cases.
Former Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland Sir Declan Morgan is the incoming chief commissioner of the ICRIR.
Sir Declan told the PA news agency: “I can recognise that for some people they will have some concerns that Peter has a past history in the RUC, that is something that the selection panel considered very carefully in coming to a decision about the appointment.
“But Peter has also indicated to us that so far as his service was concerned, he didn’t anticipate that there would be any conflicts arising in relation to the work of the commission. In any event we are developing a conflict of interest policy which will specifically address that.
“Taking into account the way in which for the past 15 years he has engaged in peace building and in pursuing reconciliation that is a strength which was particularly important in terms of finding that he was the best man for the job.”
The body will take over hundreds of unresolved Troubles cases when the British government’s controversial legacy Bill becomes law.
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will give a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences to former terrorists who co-operate with the ICRIR.
It would also prevent future civil cases and inquests.
The Bill is opposed by all major Stormont parties, the Irish Government and victims’ campaign groups.
Mr Sheridan said: “I’ve spent the last 15 years working for an organisation that is dedicated to bringing peace and reconciliation to Northern Ireland – and before this, a substantial period of my career working to deliver law and order in our community.
“I am absolutely committed to carrying out this role without fear or favour and I fully expect everyone to hold me accountable to do this.
“There is nothing I want more than to see people given the information and closure they need, using the full range of powers and tools that the commission will be able to bring to this work, so that we can all move forward together.
“We may never forget the past, but I hope we will be able to focus on building an inspiring future together for Northern Ireland, for the sake of future generations.”
Mr Sheridan is expected to start work in December, once prior commitments are completed.
He will be supporting Sir Declan engaging with interested groups to ensure input from as wide a range of views as possible, as the commission establishes its policies and procedures ahead of opening for requests from next summer.
Mr Sheridan has previously been made an OBE for his services to policing and a CBE for his work at Co-operation Ireland.
When he retired from policing he was the most senior Catholic officer in the PSNI.
During his work with Co-operation Ireland, he was instrumental in arranging the meeting between the late Queen and the then deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness, in 2012.
