The Galway roots of President Catherine Connolly are apparent in her selections for the Council of State, but Belfast also figures prominently.
The former Galway West TD appointed seven people to the highest advisory body in the land this week, six months into her term, with her choices emphasising themes of reconciliation, human rights and linguistic heritage.
These are Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Linda Ervine, Colin Harvey, Kathleen Lynch, Donncha O’Connell, Conor O’Mahony and Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.
Prof Fionnuala Ní Aoláin grew up in Connemara, and is Professor of Law at Queens University, Belfast, where Colin Harvey is Professor of Human Rights Law. Linda Erivine manages the first Irish language centre in loyalist east Belfast.
Donncha O’Connell is a Professor of Law at University of Galway, while Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh is the college’s former president.
Kathleen Lynch is a UCD sociologist, and Conor O’Mahony a UCC jurist.
The Council of State is a body of experts which President Connolly must consult before exercising some of her constitutional powers. This includes referring legislation to the Supreme Court, convening or attending the houses of the Oireachtas, a presidential address to the nation and appointing specialist, legislative committees. The Council may also make contingency decisions by majority vote in emergency circumstances not covered by the Constitution.
Ex officio members include the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal, President of the High Court, Ceann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, and the Attorney General. Former presidents, taoisigh, and chief justices may also attend.
The university of Galway welcomed the appointments.
“My congratulations to all of President Connolly’s nominees, in particular our Professor O’Connell and one of my predecessors in the role of [university] president, Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh,” said Professor David Burn, the current president of UG.
“It is a great tribute to the esteem in which they are held as individuals and also to University of Galway. I wish them well in supporting and advising the President.”
“May I thank each of the nominees who have agreed to serve as a member of the Council of State,” said President Connolly. “These seven members bring a unique expertise and range of experience to the Council of State which will be of immense value in considering the matters which may arise over the course of my term of office. I look forward to receiving their advice and support over the next seven years,” she said
