Dodgy references for Commission member

Don MacKay’s appointment to the Parade’s Commision was already controversial, as he’s a member of the Royal Black and Orange Institution.. but it’s even more so now. SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly has stated that, despite Mr MacKay citing her as a referee in his application to the Commission, she had never been approached by him to give a reference. The NIO’s response so far, unfortunately, but not surprisingly, appears to be an attempt to ignore the situation – as the PA report notes – “Appointments were made on the basis of the candidates successfully displaying competence across a range of areas. References were not sought for any of the candidates….” Hmm.. Kind of missing the point there guys..

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