Parades body get Shepherd at helm

Rena Shepherd has been appointed as the new chairman of the Parades Commission

Rena Shepherd has been appointed as the new chairman of the Parades Commission, by NI Secretary Shaun Woodward.

Ms Shepherd, a former member of the Women's Coalition, became the commission's first Jewish member when she joined it in May 2008.

She began her career at consultants Price Waterhouse and is a Development Board Member of the Ulster Orchestra.

Roger Poole announced he would step down as the head of the body in April.

"Rena will provide strong leadership to the Commission and as a serving Commissioner is fully aware of all the challenges her new role brings," Mr Woodward said.

"Northern Ireland has enjoyed peaceful parading seasons in recent years and the Parades Commission has played an important role in helping to deliver that.

"Rena's appointment brings stability for the months ahead and the Parades Commission remains the final arbiter in parading matters."

The Parades Commission was set up in 1997 to make decisions on whether controversial parades should be restricted.

Ms Shepherd was the the shortest serving member who put themselves forward as the commission's new head.

The others in for the post are understood to include Joe Hendron - former SDLP MP for West Belfast, Anne Monaghan - who was also in the Women's Coalition, and businesswoman Vilma Patterson - all have been on the commission since 2006.

The commission's next meeting is on 17 June and will consider applications for 10 loyalist parades.