Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has welcomed the appointment of Danny Kinahan as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner.
Mr Aiken said:
“The announcement that Danny Kinahan has been selected as the new Veterans’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland will be warmly welcomed by all veterans and the wider armed forces community across all of Northern Ireland.
“As a veteran himself, Danny has been steadfast throughout his long political career in fighting to see that our military personnel and their families are given the full recognition that they need and deserve. He will be a first-rate advocate for the many thousands here who have served and by his appointment, we have at long last, joined the rest of the United Kingdom in providing that very necessary representation.
“However, it is also with some sadness for the UUP. Danny is not only a personal friend, but as an elected representative for South Antrim he has served all of his constituents well in Council, the Assembly and in Westminster. As he steps down from all political involvement, we as a Party and I as Leader, wish him all the best in his new and vital role.”
Alderman Mark Cosgrove, Ulster Unionist Group Leader on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, said:
“Although Danny will be a significant loss as a close party colleague and to the ratepayers of Antrim and Newtownabbey, I’m delighted that in his new role he will continue to use his wide range of skills that made him the outstanding candidate to represent and champion veterans’ issues. Be under no illusions that although Danny has crafted a political career based on building consensus, cross community working and advocating the benefits of the Union, he is a man who beneath it all is a tough negotiator who will always do whatever it takes to deliver for the people he represents.
“The veterans to whom we all owe so much could not have a better advocate than Danny who will use his decades of experience in this sector to deliver on the many important challenges they face. Danny has a proven track record of success in his career so far and I’m positive this will continue going forward.”