Professor Michael O’Flaherty is stepping down as NICHR chief commissioner

THE head of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioner is stepping down.

Professor Michael O’Flaherty’s made his decision “for personal reasons”.

He made his announcement at the meeting of NIHRC commissioners at on Friday morning.

Professor O’Flaherty said he had with regret tendered his resignation as Chief Commissioner to the Secretary of State to take effect from 31st October 2013.

Professor O’Flaherty said: “Today with great regret, I informed my colleagues of my resignation, for personal reasons.

“Northern Ireland has a splendid Human Rights Commission that I have been honoured to serve.

“I have every confidence that it will continue to take forward its excellent work for the people of Northern Ireland.”

Professor Michael O’Flaherty took up the position of Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in September 2011.

He is on partial leave from his posts as Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway.