§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his reasons are for barring Irish citizens from submitting applications for the post of Chief Electoral Officer. [117255]
§ Mr. George Howarth[holding answer 10 April 2000]: The post of Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland is a Crown Appointment. It was considered appropriate to reserve the post for UK nationals because it discharges sensitive functions of fundamental importance to public life in Northern Ireland, including overseeing the conduct of elections.