Derry man appointed to new body set up to find resolution to 'flags issue'

A Derry man who played a leading role in finding a peaceful settlement to contentious loyalist parades in the city has been appointed to a new body set up to find a resolution to the current “flags issue.”

Donncha Mac Niallais (pictured) is one of 12 members of the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition, announced by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Ms Foster said the establishment of the Commission marked another “key milestone” in the Fresh Start Agreement.

She added: “The Commission presents a unique opportunity to take a fresh approach to dealing with the complexities of flags, identity, culture and tradition.

“The Commission will undertake a very important programme of work and I commend those who are taking an active role in shaping a Northern Ireland free from segregation and division.”

Mr McGuinness said the new body would identify and acknowledge the opportunities of a “diverse community” in which cultural expression could be celebrated.

He added: “We must develop a society which is open, tolerant and mutually respectful. This Commission will contribute to this and pave the way for greater awareness and understanding of differing cultural identities.

Neville John Armstrong and Dr Dominic Paul Bryans are the joint chairperson of the Commission.

Members of the Commission are:

Doug Beattie MLA Ian Crozier Richard Good Tom Hartley Professor Thomas William Hennessey Dr David Thomas Hume Donncha Mac Niallais Nelson McCausland MLA Ian McCrea Dr Katy Radford David Anthony Robinson Mukesh Sharma MBE Carl Whyte