A new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner has been appointed after the resignation of Danny Kinahan earlier this year.
The Secretary of State confirmed David Johnstone is the new appointment, acting as a “crucial” link between veterans and available support services.
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner office (NIVCO) is an independent body tasked with supporting various veterans across the country.
Mr Johnstone has an extensive military background, with 26 years of experience having joined Royal Irish Rangers (Reserve) in 1988.
He was commissioned from Sandhurst in 1991 and attained the rank of Major before leaving the armed forces in 2014.
He also served as second in command of his company in a 2004 Iraq deployment as part of Operation Telic 4.
Speaking with NIVCO, Mr Johnstone said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be appointed into his new role.
“This is a very important role and one that can make a positive difference to the lives of veterans and their families.
He added: “I aim to hit the ground running in the New Year, by getting out and engaging with the wider veteran community and key partners, alongside the experienced NIVCO team.”
The Secretary of State welcomed the new Commissioner and praised his know and experience as “invaluable” for the organisation.
Mr Benn said: “I would like to congratulate David Johnstone on his appointment as the new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner.
“His knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our former service personnel and I know he will work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard.
“The Government recognises the dedicated service of all our veterans and is committed to supporting the veteran community across Northern Ireland, and the whole of the United Kingdom. We will always stand up for those who have served our country.”
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Mr Johnstone’s appointment comes after the previous holder of the role hit out after his engagement with Hilary Benn.
Speaking in September, Mr Kinahan – a former Ulster Unionist MP – said he was resigning after four years in the post.
“Following an open and frank conversation with the Secretary of State, I have sadly concluded that I cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require,” he added.
“There is a feeling among some veterans in Northern Ireland that they have been forgotten and that they do not enjoy the same protections as their counterparts in Great Britain.
“Veterans in Northern Ireland have particular needs and concerns which need to be addressed by the UK Government, which I have made very clear in our discussions.
Welcoming the new appointment into the role, TUV leader Jim Allister also sounded a note of caution.
“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,” Mr Allister said.
“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.”
DUP Leader Gavin Robinson also welcomed the new appointment of Mr Johnstone giving his “full confidence” in contuining to “build on the integral work laid by Danny Kinahan.”
Mr Robinson said: “I am glad that the work to appoint a new Commissioner has now completed with today’s announcement of David Johnstone’s appointment. The challenges for Mr Johnstone as Commissioner are clear.
“David will have our support and I have full confidence that he will continue to build on the integral work laid by Danny Kinahan and the team of staff in the Commissioner’s Office as he works to address personal and systemic challenges, ensuring veterans in Northern Ireland voices are heard.
“Collectively we are immensely proud of our service men and women and recognise the sacrifice they have made for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
News Catch Up – Wednesday 18 December