David Johnstone Named Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner

The former Army officer will lead efforts to support veterans in Northern Ireland starting January 2025.

David Johnstone, a former major in the Royal Irish Regiment, has been appointed Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, succeeding Danny Kinahan.
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office (NIVCO) serves as an independent body connecting veterans with support services.
Johnstone's term will begin on January 1, 2025, and run through August 31, 2026.
Unionist leaders welcomed the appointment, highlighting ongoing challenges in providing adequate support for the estimated 150,000 veterans in Northern Ireland.
Key priorities for Johnstone include addressing unresolved systemic issues and pushing for legislation to align veterans' commissioners across the UK on a statutory basis.