Ulster Unionist Leader Mike Nesbitt has called on the First and deputy First Ministers to clarify issues relating to the appointment process used to select the Chair of the Maze Corporation Board. Mr Nesbitt raised concerns after it was revealed that the successful candidate sat on a previous panel which found none of the original applicants suitable. 

Mr Nesbitt said:

“I tabled a priority written question to the First and deputy First Ministers which asked them to name the individuals who sat on the first and second interview panels for the Maze Corporation Board.  The question should have been answered last Tuesday yet I only received it yesterday, a week late.

The answer indicated that both panels comprised four people, with three of these individuals sitting on both. The only change was that Terence Brannigan sat on the first panel in October 2011, but was replaced on the March 2012 panel by Frank Cushnahan.

Mr Brannigan was unable to sit on the second panel because he applied to it for the job of Chair of the Corporation Board.

I believe that OFMDFM needs to make an urgent statement to clarify this matter. People will be wondering how Terence Brannigan could not have gleaned some advantage from having sat on the first panel and also why he suddenly became interested in the position.

This latest revelation comes after the reluctance of OFMdFM to provide information as to the backgrounds of those appointed to the Maze Corporation Board and the failure to disclose that Mr Brannigan was a DUP member.

Obvious questions need to be answered. Why were none of the applicants from the first round appointed? What was the difference in the criteria applied and why was it changed from the first process to the second?

The way in which this sensitive issue has been handled to date does not inspire public confidence and is the latest in a long line of controversies in public appointments.”