THE NI Attorney General has welcomed the appointment of another West Belfast man, Barra McGrory, as the new Director of Public Prosecutions, joining him in the top two legal positions in the North. John Larkin QC, who originally hails from Glenavy, but was educated at St Mary’s CBS on the Glen Road, currently holds the post of Attorney General, the Assembly’s chief legal advisor. On Monday, he appointed Andersonstown-based solicitor Barra McGrory QC to the role of the head of the PPS.


Mr McGrory is the son of PJ McGrory, one of the North’s best-know criminal lawyers, and has legally represented deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. He also worked on the Bloody Sunday Tribunal. He is a fluent Irish speaker and spoke in Irish during the press conference announcing his new role.


Speaking on his new job, he said: “I’m delighted to accept the Attorney General’s invitation to become the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. The Public Prosecution Service is at the core of the criminal justice system here and leading it at this important time will be a great privilege.”


Mr Larkin added: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Barra McGrory as the new Director, and look forward to working with him as he leads the Public Prosecution Service through the challenges it faces in the years ahead.”