NI: Retired solicitor nominated as new standards commissioner

NI: Retired solicitor nominated as new standards commissioner

Paul Kennedy

Retired solicitor Paul Kennedy has been nominated for appointment as the Northern Ireland Assembly’s new commissioner for standards.

Mr Kennedy qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and spent 32 years in private practice, including 28 years as principal in his own firm.

He initially worked in the field of commercial law with a firm in Belfast, but later moved into more general practice.

He has extensive investigative experience in a wide variety of roles and across a number of sectors and holds a Masters’ Degree in Company Law.

Alex Maskey, Speaker of the Assembly and chair of the Assembly commission, said: “Following the return of the Assembly earlier this year, the commission agreed that the appointment of a new commissioner for standards would be a priority. I can today confirm that the commission has identified Paul Kennedy for appointment.

“The independent role of the commissioner for standards is central to ensuring that MLAs uphold high standards of conduct in public life. Mr Kennedy has been a qualified solicitor for more than 37 years and has extensive investigative experience in a wide variety of roles and across a number of sectors.

“The commission is confident that his experience leaves him well equipped to perform this crucial role.”

MLAs will be asked to approve Mr Kennedy’s formal appointment at a sitting on 21 July 2020.

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