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Bill of Rights will not affect Ulster's constitutional position

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

Letters to the editor should be sent to: 124-144 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1EB. E-mail: writeback@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

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Contrary to Canon Ellis's assertion (Belfast Telegraph, January 14), the constitutional position of Northern Ireland would not be affected by the development of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The development of a Bill of Rights or any subsequent Charter of Rights for the island of Ireland, will not have any impact on the constitutional position of Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

As the 1998 Belfast Agreement recognises, the future of Northern Ireland and the constitutional relationships on these islands should be based on the protection and promotion of human rights and a Bill of Rights could be an important mechanism in cementing the peace process.

Canon Ellis expressed his view that 'a Bill of Rights could lead to the Northern Ireland judiciary exercising powers that should rest with elected representatives, and giving rise to the politicisation of judicial appointments'. The commission believes that his fears are misplaced and misrepresent the role and function of the judiciary and the independence of its appointments process.

The Human Rights Commission hopes that the Bill of Rights Forum will be able to complete by the deadline of March 31 its important work of producing recommendations on what should be included in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

Prof Monica McWilliams, Chief Commissioner