A former IRA prisoner who was jailed over a 1991 conspiracy to murder has resigned from the board of Invest NI, the regional body responsible for business development, just four months after his appointment.
Short tenure ends with ministerial announcement
The Department for the Economy confirmed the departure of Peter Lynch on Friday evening, saying he had left the board because of "personal circumstances". Lynch had been appointed at the start of April.
"I am pleased to appoint Maria McAllister as a member of the Invest NI Board... I would also like to thank Peter Lynch for his commitment and positive contribution during his time on the board."
The Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, announced that Maria McAllister will take Lynch's place on the board with an appointment running to 31 March 2029. No further detail was provided by the department about the reasons given for Lynch's resignation.
Conviction and public reaction
Records show Lynch was convicted in February 1993 of conspiracy to murder, tied to an incident two years earlier in Belfast. A judge at the time described the group involved as being on a "wicked mission". He received a sentence of 24 years in custody.
His appointment in April provoked anger among unionist political representatives. The Department for the Economy reiterated that appointments are made on merit and that political activity does not play a part in selections.
- Resignation reason: personal circumstances (as stated by the department)
- Replacement: Maria McAllister, appointment to 31 March 2029
- Board pay: £15,565 per annum
Role of Invest NI and oversight
Invest NI is the devolved agency tasked with supporting businesses, attracting inward investment and helping to grow the local economy. Its board members provide governance and strategic oversight for those activities and are appointed by the Department for the Economy.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Outgoing board member | Peter Lynch |
| Reason for departure | Personal circumstances (department statement) |
| Incoming board member | Maria McAllister |
| Appointment term | Until 31 March 2029 |
| Board remuneration | £15,565 per annum |
The department emphasised that all appointments are merit-based. It did not release further comment on Lynch's work on the board or the circumstances leading to his exit.
The replacement appointment was made effective immediately, according to the department's statement. The episode is likely to continue to draw scrutiny given the sensitive nature of public appointments in Northern Ireland and the historical context surrounding those convicted of Troubles-related offences.
Further comment was not provided by Invest NI itself in the department’s announcement.
