SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has written to the Commissioner for Public Appointments Sir William Shawcross following media reports that former First Minister Arlene Foster is to be appointed as the Chair of Intertrade UK.

Intertrade UK is a body created as a result of an exclusive negotiation between the DUP and the British Government. The British Government’s decision to appoint a former DUP Leader, therefore, must be subject to a rigorous and transparent process.

Mr McCrossan has sought clarity from the Commissioner for Public Appointments on the process used to make this appointment.

Daniel McCrossan MLA said:

“The SDLP expressed serious reservations about the content of the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper when it was published and despite the deafening silence of others, we continue to have serious problems with it.

“It is now being reported that a body created by this exclusive negotiation between the DUP and the British Government is to be chaired by a former DUP Leader, appointed by the British Government. Given the complex ecosystem of interests that exist in such an appointment, we have to be assured that it has been based on a competitive, open, transparent and merit-based process.

“I have written to the Commissioner for Public Appointments seeking clear assurances that such an appointment would meet the high standards contained in the principles for public appointments which govern these matters.”