Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has been appointed as Peace Commissioner for Waterford and adjoining counties.
The powers and duties of Peace Commissioners consist primarily of taking statutory declarations, witnessing signatures on documents if required by various authorities and signing certificates and orders under various pieces of legislation.
It is an honorary position and a peace commissioner receives no remuneration or compensation from public funds. Peace commissioners are also not entitled to charge or receive for their own benefit any fee or compensation from members of the public.
McGuinness received his warrant of appointment from the Minister for Justice and is the first Sinn Féin politician to be named as a Peace Commissioner for Waterford.
Speaking following his appointment Cllr McGuinness said:
“Its an honour to be appointed to this voluntary position, and I am grateful to the Minister for seeing beyond party political lines and recognising the reality on the ground in West Waterford. There is considerable demand for the services of a Peace Commissioner in the area in terms of witnessing signatures and taking statutory declarations.
“This appointment allows me to offer an enhanced service to my constituents across West Waterford, in terms of completing application forms and other official paperwork. I will undertake the duties of this appointment with the utmost integrity and I am very much looking forward to assisting my constituents in this new position.
“I will offer a fully bilingual service as Peace Commissioner for Waterford. Cuirfidh mé seirbhís i nGaelainn ar fáil ar fur fad an Chontae dóibh siúd a theastaíonn uatha a ghnó a dhéanamh trí mhéan ár dteanga náisiúnta.
“Currently, due to the public health situation, I am offering online clinics and I can arrange to meet in person with constituents by appointment. I hope to resume regular face-to-face clinics across West Waterford as soon as the situation improves.
“As ever, I can be contacted on 087 9345603, at conor.mcguinness@sinnfein.ie or via social media. Full information on the role of Peace Commissioner, and a schedule of my regular advice clinics can be found on www.conormcguiness.ie”
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 