Martin McGuinness's former adviser appointed to Education Authority board

By Q Radio news

A victims' group has hit out at a convicted IRA bomber being appointed to the Education Authority here.

Paul Kavanagh was sentenced to five life terms for blowing up Chelsea Barracks in 1981.

He was nominated for the education role by Sinn Fein.

Kenny Donaldson of Innocent Victims United says families are devastated.

Victims' group hits out after Martin McGuinness's former adviser is appointed to Education Authority board. https://t.co/79NTg9ah5Y

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 5, 2021

Paul Kavanagh is one of three new people nominated by Sinn Féin.

He has been a member of the board of governors of Lumen Christi College in Derry for several years.

The Department of Education said Mr Kavanagh brought to the EA board experience of communication and influencing skills, developing and maintaining cooperative working relationships within a corporate governance framework and decision making as a school governor.

Some parents initially voiced concerns about appointing the convicted IRA bomber to Lumen's governors in 2012.

Mr Kavanagh later lost his special adviser job as a result of new laws banning anyone with a serious offence holding such a post.

Sinn Féin last night said Mr Kavanagh "has a wealth of experience in education, government and policy development".

The party also nominated Angela Mervyn from the West Belfast Partnership Board and recently retired principal of Corpus Christi College in west Belfast, Frank Maskey.

(Paul Kavanagh)