Former Sinn Fein minister appointed to the board of Invest NI to deliver minister's 'economic vision'
Two of five new appointees to the board of Invest NI have canvassed on behalf of Sinn Fein in recent years – one of whom is the party’s former finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir.
Caoimhe Archibald made the announcement on Thursday, saying that the insight and experience of the new board members “will play an important role in shaping economic development” in Northern Ireland – in line with her economic vision.
The Sinn Fein-run ministry said all appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published.
Two of the candidates have confirmed political activity in the last 5 years, Peter Lynch and Máirtín Ó Muilleoir have both canvassed on behalf of Sinn Fein, the Department for Economy (DfE) said in a press release.
The new Board members are Fiona Derry; Emma Garrett; Peter Lynch; Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; and Andrew Webb.
Making the appointments, the Minister said: “Invest NI plays a central role in the delivery of my priorities of more good jobs, improved productivity, decarbonisation, and regional balance.
“I welcome the new members to the Board. Their insight and experience will play an important role in shaping economic development in the north in line with my economic vision.”
Mr Lynch is CEO of the West Belfast Partnership Board and has been “a community activist for over 20 years”, DfE said in its press release about the appointments to the inward investment body.