Former US envoy to oversee paramilitary watchdog

The announcement was made by the Northern Ireland Office on Wednesday. Credit: NIO

The former US peace envoy Mitchell B Reiss has been appointed to a watchdog overseeing efforts to tackle paramilitarism in Northern Ireland.

It was announced on Wednesday, after the First and deputy First Minister held a meeting with the UK and Irish governments to try and break the deadlock over the past.

Mr Reiss was named UK commissioner to the new Independent Reporting Commission.

The body was set up under the Fresh Start Agreement to end paramilitarism and to tackle organised crime.

James Brokenshire said Mitchell B Reiss’ appointment will take effect in January 2017.

The secretary of state added: “I am delighted Mitchell Reiss has agreed to accept the position of UK Commissioner to the Independent Reporting Commission.

“His international standing and expertise as a former senior diplomat and Special Envoy to Northern Ireland will provide strong skills to the body which has been established as one of the Fresh Start commitments to eliminate paramilitarism and tackle organised crime.”

The newly established commission will have four commissioners, with the UK and Irish Government nominating one member each and the Executive nominating two members.

The Government of Ireland’s nominee is Tim O’Connor, and the Executive’s nominees are Monica McWilliams and John McBurney.

The UK Government is providing up to £3m, under the Fresh Start Agreement, to establish and fund the commission over four years.