Newly appointed NI Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, has announced the appointment of a new Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone.
David Johnstone has 26 years distinguished military experience, having joined the Royal Irish Rangers (Reserve) in 1988. David commissioned from Sandhurst in 1991 and attained the rank of Major before leaving the Army in 2014. In 2004 David was deployed to Iraq as part of Op Telic 4 where he served as second in command of his company in Basra.
David will bring a wealth of experience and skills to the role of Commissioner having a proven track-record in property consultancy and as General Manager and Youth Development Manager of a local Irish league football club.
Commenting on his appointment David said:
"I count it an honour and a privilege to be appointed as Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland. This is a very important role and one that can make a positive difference to the lives of veterans and their families. I aim to hit the ground running in the New Year, by getting out and engaging with the wider veteran community and key partners, alongside the experienced NIVCO team.”
He continued:
"I want to acknowledge the good work of my predecessor Danny Kinahan, and will endeavour to build on the strong foundation already laid since 2020. Can I say to all veterans, I am in this role to represent you, to be your voice and I will do my very best to ensure your service is not forgotten, but rather is respected and recognised".
David is married with two adult children and in his spare time enjoys hill walking, football (playing and spectating) and military history. David will take up his appointment in January 2025.
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners Office was established in September 2020 to provide a voice for veterans living in Northern Ireland to ensure fairness and safe access to services.
North Antrim MP and TUV leader Jim Allister has welcomed the appointment of Mr Johnstone, but also called for more government support for the officer, as well as progress on outstanding veterans issues. He said:
“I wish David Johnstone all the best in the post of Veterans Commissioner and believe his record both in the military and in community service should have prepared him well for the challenge.
“I am disappointed that the decision of Danny Kinahan to step back from the role did not result in the Government addressing issues related to the Veterans Commissioner post.
“I note that the post remains a part time role and I have not heard anything to suggest that the staff compliment - merely two - is set to increase. Nor am I aware of any move to put the Commissioner on a statutory basis. By way of contrast, the Victims’ Commissioner and even the Commissioner for Children and Young People are full time positions with offices and a large team of staff.
“Many veteran issues in Northern Ireland still need to be resolved. The previous government had a draft bill to align all the veterans’ commissioners across the UK and put the posts on a statutory basis but the legislation was not introduced in time. The first challenge for Mr Johnstone will be to ensure that this legislation is progressed.”