Danny Kinahan, the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, has stepped down from his role, citing an inability to provide the required independent advocacy for veterans. As a result of what he described as a sincere and forthright discussion with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, Kinahan decided to leave the position he held for the past four years. He highlighted the discrepancy in protection for veterans in Northern Ireland in comparison to their counterparts elsewhere in the UK.
Discussing this situation, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Gavin Robinson, suggested Kinahan’s departure poses significant issues for the present government. In an official comment, Kinahan confirmed his resignation and heavily pointed out the feeling of lack of protection in Northern Ireland veterans.
Expressing gratitude for the faith and support shown to him during his tenure, Kinahan pledged to continue advocating for their interests. In response, Secretary Benn conveyed his deep appreciation for Kinahan’s unwavering commitment and devotion to the welfare of veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, highlighting his engagement on matters concerning their health, housing and welfare.
Benn further confirmed his commitment to upholding the welfare of veterans in the future through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The Northern Ireland Office stated that the process of appointing a new Veterans Commissioner would be disclosed in the near future.
Reflecting on the establishment of the Commissioner’s role as part of the New Decade New Approach Agreement, Robinson described Kinahan’s 2020 appointment was a ray of hope, showcasing the government’s intention to rectify the imbalance. Commending Kinahan’s dedication and sincerity while in office, Robinson applauded his service to the veteran community.
He remarked, “It is disheartening to see such a profound communication rupture between the government and the NIVC (NI Veterans Commissioner), culminating in a resignation and an empty seat.
“It’s imperative that the NIO swiftly addresses the pervasive apprehensions of the veterans who greatly appreciated Danny’s dedication and pacify these worries promptly.
“What we require is a successor who, in addition to being appointed promptly, possesses the independence and backing to execute their role effectively.”
Mr. Kinahan, formerly an UUP MLA, successfully secured the South Antrim Westminster seat for the unionist party in 2015. However, he lost the seat to the DUP in the 2017 general elections.
In September 2020, he was instated as Northern Ireland’s inaugural Veterans Commissioner.
Last year, he cautiously welcomed the Conservatives’ contentious Act to handle the aftermath of the Northern Ireland Troubles, owing to the “unbalanced” number of legal actions against ex-members of the armed forces.
With the advent of the Labour party in power, a commitment has been made to discard and substitute the existent laws. – PA