Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“I wish David Johnstone all the best in the post of Veterans Commissioner and believe his record both in the military and in community service should have prepared him well for the challenge.
“I am disappointed that the decision of Danny Kinahan to step back from the role did not result in the Government addressing issues related to the Veterans Commissioner post.
“I note that the post remains a part time role and I have not heard anything to suggest that the staff compliment – merely two – is set to increase. Nor am I aware of any move to put the Commissioner on a statutory basis. By way of contrast, the Victims’ Commissioner and even the Commissioner for Children and Young People are full time positions with offices and a large team of staff.
“Many veteran issues in Northern Ireland still need to be resolved. The previous government had a draft bill to align all the veterans’ commissioners across the UK and put the posts on a statutory basis but the legislation was not introduced in time. The first challenge for Mr Johnstone will be to ensure that this legislation is progressed.”