Morgan new head of NI judiciary

Sir Declan Morgan went to school at St Columb's College in Londonderry

High Court Judge Sir Declan Morgan has been confirmed as Northern Ireland's new Lord Chief Justice.

He went to school at St Columb's College in Londonderry and then studied at Cambridge and Queen's University in Belfast.

Sir Declan, who is married with three children, has replaced Sir Brian Kerr who held the post for five years.

He was called to the Bar in 1976, took Silk in 1993 and was appointed a High Court Judge in May 2004.

"I am delighted to have been appointed as Lord Chief Justice and, therefore, head of the judiciary in Northern Ireland," Sir Declan said.

"It is an honour to take up this position and to succeed Lord Kerr.

"Naturally, I will be seeking to ensure the effective administration of justice in Northern Ireland for the people of Northern Ireland. I will work tirelessly to achieve that end."